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Wang Y, Wang X, Bai B, Shaha A, He X, He Y, Ye Z, Shah VH, Kang N. Targeting Src SH3 domain-mediated glycolysis of HSC suppresses transcriptome, myofibroblastic activation, and colorectal liver metastasis. Hepatology 2024; 80:578-594. [PMID: 38271673 PMCID: PMC11266532 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1) induces HSC activation into metastasis-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), but how the process is fueled remains incompletely understood. We studied metabolic reprogramming induced by TGFβ1 in HSCs. APPROACHES AND RESULTS Activation of cultured primary human HSCs was assessed by the expression of myofibroblast markers. Glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) of murine HSC was disrupted by Cre recombinase/LoxP sequence derived from bacteriophage P1 recombination (Cre/LoxP). Plasma membrane (PM) Glut1 and glycolysis were studied by biotinylation assay and the Angilent Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. S.c. HSC/tumor co-implantation and portal vein injection of MC38 colorectal cancer cells into HSC-specific Glut1 knockout mice were performed to determine in vivo relevance. Transcriptome was obtained by RNA sequencing of HSCs and spatialomics with MC38 liver metastases. TGFβ1-induced CAF activation of HSCs was accompanied by elevation of PM Glut1, glucose uptake, and glycolysis. Targeting Glut1 or Src by short hairpin RNA, pharmacologic inhibition, or a Src SH3 domain deletion mutant abrogated TGFβ1-stimulated PM accumulation of Glut1, glycolysis, and CAF activation. Mechanistically, binding of the Src SH3 domain to SH3 domain-binding protein 5 led to a Src/SH3 domain-binding protein 5/Rab11/Glut1 complex that activated Rab11-dependent Glut1 PM transport under TGFβ1 stimulation. Deleting the Src SH3 domain or targeting Glut1 of HSCs by short hairpin RNA or Cre recombinase/LoxP sequence derived from bacteriophage P1 recombination suppressed CAF activation in mice and MC38 colorectal liver metastasis. Multi-omics revealed that Glut1 deficiency in HSCs/CAFs suppressed HSC expression of tumor-promoting factors and altered MC38 transcriptome, contributing to reduced MC38 liver metastases. CONCLUSION The Src SH3 domain-facilitated metabolic reprogramming induced by TGFβ1 represents a target to inhibit CAF activation and the pro-metastatic liver microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanguo Wang
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xianghu Wang
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
- The School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Bai
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aurpita Shaha
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xipu He
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingzi He
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
- The School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenqing Ye
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- GI Research Unit and Cancer Cell Biology Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ningling Kang
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
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2
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Zong R, Zheng Y, Yan Y, Sun W, Kong L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Jiang C, Ping J, Li C. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes alleviate liver fibrosis by targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10717-y. [PMID: 39138757 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite increasing knowledge regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis, there is currently no approved drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells representing an attractive therapeutic tool for tissue damage and inflammation. This study was designed to determine the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA). Some mice were then given injection of UC-MSCs or UC-MSCs-derived exosomes (UC-MSCs-Exo) via the tail vein. Liver tissues were collected for histologic analysis. RESULTS We found that administration of UC-MSCs significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs-derived exosomes was similar to that of UC-MSCs. Intriguingly, UC-MSCs-Exo treatment downregulated the expression of smoothened (SMO), a fundamental component of Hedgehog signaling which plays a critical role in fibrogenesis, and subsequently inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells, a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of UCMSCs- Exo was reversed by the SMO agonist SAG treatment in mice. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that UC-MSCs-Exo exert therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, at least in part, through inhibiting the Hedgehog/SMO signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobin Zong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Aerospace Hospital, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
| | - Yufei Yan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wenao Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liangyi Kong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yating Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chaochen Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ping
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changyong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China.
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3
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Banerjee A, Farci P. Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of Gene-Environment Interactions in Liver Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8641. [PMID: 39201329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ that performs vital functions in the body. Despite its extraordinary regenerative capacity compared to other organs, exposure to chemical, infectious, metabolic and immunologic insults and toxins renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation, degeneration and fibrosis. Abnormal wound healing response mediated by aberrant signaling pathways causes chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. Once thought to be irreversible, recent clinical studies show that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed, even in the advanced stage. Experimental evidence shows that removal of the insult or injury can inactivate HSCs and reduce the inflammatory response, eventually leading to activation of fibrolysis and degradation of ECM. Thus, it is critical to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in the context of liver fibrosis progression and regression in order to identify specific therapeutic targets for optimized treatment to induce fibrosis regression, prevent HCC development and, ultimately, improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Wilhelmsen I, Combriat T, Dalmao-Fernandez A, Stokowiec J, Wang C, Olsen PA, Wik JA, Boichuk Y, Aizenshtadt A, Krauss S. The effects of TGF-β-induced activation and starvation of vitamin A and palmitic acid on human stem cell-derived hepatic stellate cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:223. [PMID: 39044210 PMCID: PMC11267759 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) have numerous critical roles in liver function and homeostasis, while they are also known for their importance during liver injury and fibrosis. There is therefore a need for relevant in vitro human HSC models to fill current knowledge gaps. In particular, the roles of vitamin A (VA), lipid droplets (LDs), and energy metabolism in human HSC activation are poorly understood. METHODS In this study, human pluripotent stem cell-derived HSCs (scHSCs), benchmarked to human primary HSC, were exposed to 48-hour starvation of retinol (ROL) and palmitic acid (PA) in the presence or absence of the potent HSC activator TGF-β. The interventions were studied by an extensive set of phenotypic and functional analyses, including transcriptomic analysis, measurement of activation-related proteins and cytokines, VA- and LD storage, and cell energy metabolism. RESULTS The results show that though the starvation of ROL and PA alone did not induce scHSC activation, the starvation amplified the TGF-β-induced activation-related transcriptome. However, TGF-β-induced activation alone did not lead to a reduction in VA or LD stores. Additionally, reduced glycolysis and increased mitochondrial fission were observed in response to TGF-β. CONCLUSIONS scHSCs are robust models for activation studies. The loss of VA and LDs is not sufficient for scHSC activation in vitro, but may amplify the TGF-β-induced activation response. Collectively, our work provides an extensive framework for studying human HSCs in healthy and diseased conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Wilhelmsen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway.
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway.
| | - Thomas Combriat
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Andrea Dalmao-Fernandez
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Chencheng Wang
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Jonas Aakre Wik
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Yuliia Boichuk
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
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5
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Horn P, Tacke F. Metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1439-1455. [PMID: 38823393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, primarily metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), harmful use of alcohol, or viral hepatitis, may result in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex process with interactions between different resident and non-resident heterogeneous liver cell populations, ultimately leading to deposition of extracellular matrix and organ failure. Shifts in cell phenotypes and functions involve pronounced transcriptional and protein synthesis changes that require metabolic adaptations in cellular substrate metabolism, including glucose and lipid metabolism, resembling changes associated with the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Cell activation and metabolic changes are regulated by metabolic stress responses, including the unfolded protein response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, ferroptosis, and nuclear receptor signaling. These metabolic adaptations are crucial for inflammatory and fibrogenic activation of macrophages, lymphoid cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Modulation of these pathways, therefore, offers opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to halt or even reverse liver fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Khanal S, Liu Y, Bamidele AO, Wixom AQ, Washington AM, Jalan-Sakrikar N, Cooper SA, Vuckovic I, Zhang S, Zhong J, Johnson KL, Charlesworth MC, Kim I, Yeon Y, Yoon S, Noh YK, Meroueh C, Timbilla AA, Yaqoob U, Gao J, Kim Y, Lucien F, Huebert RC, Hay N, Simons M, Shah VH, Kostallari E. Glycolysis in hepatic stellate cells coordinates fibrogenic extracellular vesicle release spatially to amplify liver fibrosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn5228. [PMID: 38941469 PMCID: PMC11212729 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn5228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the activation of perivascular hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the release of fibrogenic nanosized extracellular vesicles (EVs), and increased HSC glycolysis. Nevertheless, how glycolysis in HSCs coordinates fibrosis amplification through tissue zone-specific pathways remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that HSC-specific genetic inhibition of glycolysis reduced liver fibrosis. Moreover, spatial transcriptomics revealed a fibrosis-mediated up-regulation of EV-related pathways in the liver pericentral zone, which was abrogated by glycolysis genetic inhibition. Mechanistically, glycolysis in HSCs up-regulated the expression of EV-related genes such as Ras-related protein Rab-31 (RAB31) by enhancing histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation on the promoter region, which increased EV release. Functionally, these glycolysis-dependent EVs increased fibrotic gene expression in recipient HSC. Furthermore, EVs derived from glycolysis-deficient mice abrogated liver fibrosis amplification in contrast to glycolysis-competent mouse EVs. In summary, glycolysis in HSCs amplifies liver fibrosis by promoting fibrogenic EV release in the hepatic pericentral zone, which represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalil Khanal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yuanhang Liu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Alexander Q. Wixom
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Alexander M. Washington
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nidhi Jalan-Sakrikar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Shawna A. Cooper
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ivan Vuckovic
- Metabolomics Core, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jun Zhong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | | | - Iljung Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of South Korea
| | - Yubin Yeon
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of South Korea
| | - Sangwoong Yoon
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul 02455, Republic of South Korea
| | - Yung-Kyun Noh
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of South Korea
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul 02455, Republic of South Korea
| | - Chady Meroueh
- Department of Pathology, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Abdul Aziz Timbilla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Usman Yaqoob
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yohan Kim
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Fabrice Lucien
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Robert C. Huebert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nissim Hay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Michael Simons
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University, New Haven, CI 06510, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Very N, Boulet C, Gheeraert C, Berthier A, Johanns M, Bou Saleh M, Guille L, Bray F, Strub JM, Bobowski-Gerard M, Zummo FP, Vallez E, Molendi-Coste O, Woitrain E, Cianférani S, Montaigne D, Ntandja-Wandji LC, Dubuquoy L, Dubois-Chevalier J, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. O-GlcNAcylation controls pro-fibrotic transcriptional regulatory signaling in myofibroblasts. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:391. [PMID: 38830870 PMCID: PMC11148087 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tissue injury causes activation of mesenchymal lineage cells into wound-repairing myofibroblasts (MFs), whose uncontrolled activity ultimately leads to fibrosis. Although this process is triggered by deep metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, functional links between these two key events are not yet understood. Here, we report that the metabolic sensor post-translational modification O-linked β-D-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is increased and required for myofibroblastic activation. Inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impairs archetypal myofibloblast cellular activities including extracellular matrix gene expression and collagen secretion/deposition as defined in vitro and using ex vivo and in vivo murine liver injury models. Mechanistically, a multi-omics approach combining proteomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data mining revealed that O-GlcNAcylation controls the MF transcriptional program by targeting the transcription factors Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) and TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) together with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) co-activator. Indeed, inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impedes their stability leading to decreased functionality of the BNC2/TEAD4/YAP1 complex towards promoting activation of the MF transcriptional regulatory landscape. We found that this involves O-GlcNAcylation of BNC2 at Thr455 and Ser490 and of TEAD4 at Ser69 and Ser99. Altogether, this study unravels protein O-GlcNAcylation as a key determinant of myofibroblastic activation and identifies its inhibition as an avenue to intervene with fibrogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Very
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Clémence Boulet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Céline Gheeraert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Berthier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Manuel Johanns
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Mohamed Bou Saleh
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Loïc Guille
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturization for Synthesis, Analysis & Proteomics, UAR 3290, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marc Strub
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Bobowski-Gerard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Francesco P Zummo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Vallez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Olivier Molendi-Coste
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Eloise Woitrain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Montaigne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Line Carolle Ntandja-Wandji
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | | | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France.
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8
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Niu MY, Liu YJ, Shi JJ, Chen RY, Zhang S, Li CY, Cao JF, Yang GJ, Chen J. The Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36) in Cancer and Beyond. Biomolecules 2024; 14:572. [PMID: 38785979 PMCID: PMC11118191 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination is instrumental in the regulation of protein stability and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36), a member of the USP family, plays a crucial role in this dynamic equilibrium by hydrolyzing and removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins and facilitating their proteasome-dependent degradation. The multifaceted functions of USP36 have been implicated in various disease processes, including cancer, infections, and inflammation, via the modulation of numerous cellular events, including gene transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, immune responses, signal transduction, tumor growth, and inflammatory processes. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the roles of USP36 in different pathological conditions. By synthesizing the findings from previous studies, we have aimed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jin-Jin Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
| | - Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jia-Feng Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
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9
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Smith-Cortinez N, Heegsma J, Podunavac M, Zakarian A, Cardenas JC, Faber KN. Novel Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Inhibitor Antagonizes Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation: A Potential Drug to Treat Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:765. [PMID: 38727301 PMCID: PMC11083487 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, can progress to cirrhosis and increases the risk of liver cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a pivotal role in fibrosis progression, transitioning from a quiescent to activated state upon liver injury, wherein they proliferate, migrate, and produce ECM. Calcium signaling, involving the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), regulates HSC activation. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel IP3R inhibitor, desmethylxestospongin B (dmXeB), in preventing HSC activation. Freshly isolated rat HSCs were activated in vitro in the presence of varying dmXeB concentrations. The dmXeB effectively inhibited HSC proliferation, migration, and expression of fibrosis markers without toxicity to the primary rat hepatocytes or human liver organoids. Furthermore, dmXeB preserved the quiescent phenotype of HSCs marked by retained vitamin A storage. Mechanistically, dmXeB suppressed mitochondrial respiration in activated HSCs while enhancing glycolytic activity. Notably, methyl pyruvate, dimethyl α-ketoglutarate, and nucleoside supplementation all individually restored HSC proliferation despite dmXeB treatment. Overall, dmXeB demonstrates promising anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting HSC activation via IP3R antagonism without adverse effects on other liver cells. These findings highlight dmXeB as a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis treatment, offering a targeted approach to mitigate liver fibrosis progression and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Smith-Cortinez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Masa Podunavac
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Armen Zakarian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - J. César Cardenas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
- Center for Integrative Biology, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 7510041, Chile
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Hu Y, Bao X, Zhang Z, Chen L, Liang Y, Qu Y, Zhou Q, Zhou X, Fang J, Xiao Z, Fu Y, Yang H, Liu W, Lv Y, Cao H, Chen G, Ping J, Zhang H, Mu Y, Liu C, Lin CP, Wu J, Liu P, Chen J. Hepatic progenitor cell-originated ductular reaction facilitates liver fibrosis through activation of hedgehog signaling. Theranostics 2024; 14:2379-2395. [PMID: 38646644 PMCID: PMC11024850 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: It is poorly understood what cellular types participate in ductular reaction (DR) and whether DR facilitates recovery from injury or accelerates hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the role of hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-originated DR during fibrotic progression. Methods: DR in liver specimens of PBC, chronic HBV infection (CHB) or NAFLD, and four rodent fibrotic models by different pathogenic processes was evaluated. Gli1 expression was inhibited in rodent models or cell culture and organoid models by AAV-shGli1 or treating with GANT61. Results: Severity of liver fibrosis was positively correlated with DR extent in patients with PBC, CHB or NAFLD. HPCs were activated, expanded, differentiated into reactive cholangiocytes and constituted "HPC-originated DR", accompanying with exacerbated fibrosis in rodent models of HPC activation & proliferation (CCl4/2-AAF-treated), Μdr2-/- spontaneous PSC, BDL-cholestatic fibrosis or WD-fed/CCl4-treated NASH-fibrosis. Gli1 expression was significantly increased in enriched pathways in vivo and in vitro. Enhanced Gli1 expression was identified in KRT19+-reactive cholangiocytes. Suppressing Gli1 expression by administration of AAV-shGli1 or GANT61 ameliorated HPC-originated DR and fibrotic extent. KRT19 expression was reduced after GANT61 treatment in sodium butyrate-stimulated WB-F344 cells or organoids or in cells transduced with Gli1 knockdown lentiviral vectors. In contrast, KRT19 expression was elevated after transducing Gli1 overexpression lentiviral vectors in these cells. Conclusions: During various modes of chronic injury, Gli1 acted as an important mediator of HPC activation, expansion, differentiation into reactive cholangiocytes that formed DR, and subsequently provoked hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Hu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Institute of Surgery of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyu Bao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Long Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yue Liang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hailin Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongyan Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai TCM - Integrated hospital, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian Ping
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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11
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Han L, Lin G, Li J, Zhang Q, Ran T, Huang T, Hu R, Feng S, Zou G, Chen S, Zhao X. Network pharmacology and transcriptomic profiling elucidate the therapeutic effects of Ranunculus ternatus Thunb on liver fibrosis via MK3-NF-κB inhibition. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:4759-4777. [PMID: 38461449 PMCID: PMC10968670 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is critical in the progression of liver fibrosis and is a promising target for anti-hepatic fibrosis drug development. Moreover, effective pharmacological interventions targeting this pathomechanism are scarce. Our study confirms the therapeutic value of β-sitosterol, a major constituent of Ranunculus ternatus Thunb, in hepatic fibrosis and identifies its underlying mechanisms. After treatment with β-sitosterol, CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis was reversed in mice, while inflammatory and hepatic fibrosis indices were improved. Meanwhile, we explored the molecular mechanism of β-sitosterol treatment for hepatic fibrosis and, based on RNA-seq results, found that the ameliorative effect of β-sitosterol on hepatic fibrosis was associated with the MK3 and NF-κB signalling pathways. MK3, an important kinase in the MAPK pathway, plays a role in transmitting upstream and downstream signals, whereas the NF-κB signalling pathway has been shown to be associated with HSC activation. We verified the interaction between MK3 and IκB in HSC cells using endogenous Co-IP, whereas β-sitosterol reduced the binding of MK3 to IκB and the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway. Our findings reveal the mechanism of β-sitosterol in the treatment of liver fibrosis, suggesting that β-sitosterol may be a promising drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Guoyuan Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jianchao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qingxiu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Tao Ran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ruihan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shu Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Gaoliang Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xueke Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
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12
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Zhou Y, Yan J, Huang H, Liu L, Ren L, Hu J, Jiang X, Zheng Y, Xu L, Zhong F, Li X. The m 6A reader IGF2BP2 regulates glycolytic metabolism and mediates histone lactylation to enhance hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:189. [PMID: 38443347 PMCID: PMC10914723 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Evidence for the involvement of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the etiology and progression of liver fibrosis has emerged and holds promise as a therapeutic target. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) is a newly identified m6A-binding protein that functions to enhance mRNA stability and translation. However, its role as an m6A-binding protein in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we observed that IGF2BP2 is highly expressed in liver fibrosis and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and inhibition of IGF2BP2 protects against HSCs activation and liver fibrogenesis. Mechanistically, as an m6A-binding protein, IGF2BP2 regulates the expression of Aldolase A (ALDOA), a key target in the glycolytic metabolic pathway, which in turn regulates HSCs activation. Furthermore, we observed that active glycolytic metabolism in activated HSCs generates large amounts of lactate as a substrate for histone lactylation. Importantly, histone lactylation transforms the activation phenotype of HSCs. In conclusion, our findings reveal the essential role of IGF2BP2 in liver fibrosis by regulating glycolytic metabolism and highlight the potential of targeting IGF2BP2 as a therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiexi Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lingcong Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fupeng Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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13
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Wang F, Chen L, Kong D, Zhang X, Xia S, Liang B, Li Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Shao J, Zheng S, Zhang F. Canonical Wnt signaling promotes HSC glycolysis and liver fibrosis through an LDH-A/HIF-1α transcriptional complex. Hepatology 2024; 79:606-623. [PMID: 37733267 PMCID: PMC10871634 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aerobic glycolysis reprogramming occurs during HSC activation, but how it is initiated and sustained remains unknown. We investigated the mechanisms by which canonical Wnt signaling regulated HSC glycolysis and the therapeutic implication for liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Glycolysis was examined in HSC-LX2 cells upon manipulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Nuclear translocation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) and its interaction with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were investigated using molecular simulation and site-directed mutation assays. The pharmacological relevance of molecular discoveries was intensified in primary cultures, rodent models, and human samples. HSC glycolysis was enhanced by Wnt3a but reduced by β-catenin inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Wnt3a-induced rapid transactivation and high expression of LDH-A dependent on TCF4. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also stimulated LDH-A nuclear translocation through importin β2 interplay with a noncanonical nuclear location signal of LDH-A. Mechanically, LDH-A bound to HIF-1α and enhanced its stability by obstructing hydroxylation-mediated proteasome degradation, leading to increased transactivation of glycolytic genes. The Gly28 residue of LDH-A was identified to be responsible for the formation of the LDH-A/HIF-1α transcription complex and stabilization of HIF-1α. Furthermore, LDH-A-mediated glycolysis was required for HSC activation in the presence of Wnt3a. Results in vivo showed that HSC activation and liver fibrosis were alleviated by HSC-specific knockdown of LDH-A in mice. β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939 mitigated HSC activation and liver fibrosis, which were abrogated by HSC-specific LDH-A overexpression in mice with fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of HSC glycolysis by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and LDH-A had therapeutic promise for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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14
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Fondevila MF, Novoa E, Gonzalez-Rellan MJ, Fernandez U, Heras V, Porteiro B, Parracho T, Dorta V, Riobello C, da Silva Lima N, Seoane S, Garcia-Vence M, Chantada-Vazquez MP, Bravo SB, Senra A, Leiva M, Marcos M, Sabio G, Perez-Fernandez R, Dieguez C, Prevot V, Schwaninger M, Woodhoo A, Martinez-Chantar ML, Schwabe R, Cubero FJ, Varela-Rey M, Crespo J, Iruzubieta P, Nogueiras R. p63 controls metabolic activation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrosis via an HER2-ACC1 pathway. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101401. [PMID: 38340725 PMCID: PMC10897550 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The p63 protein has pleiotropic functions and, in the liver, participates in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its functions in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have not yet been explored. TAp63 is induced in HSCs from animal models and patients with liver fibrosis and its levels positively correlate with NAFLD activity score and fibrosis stage. In mice, genetic depletion of TAp63 in HSCs reduces the diet-induced liver fibrosis. In vitro silencing of p63 blunts TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation by reducing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, as well as decreasing acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). Ectopic expression of TAp63 induces the activation of HSCs and increases the expression and activity of ACC1 by promoting the transcriptional activity of HER2. Genetic inhibition of both HER2 and ACC1 blunt TAp63-induced activation of HSCs. Thus, TAp63 induces HSC activation by stimulating the HER2-ACC1 axis and participates in the development of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos F Fondevila
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Eva Novoa
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria J Gonzalez-Rellan
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Uxia Fernandez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Violeta Heras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Begoña Porteiro
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Tamara Parracho
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Valentina Dorta
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristina Riobello
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Laboratory, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Natalia da Silva Lima
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Samuel Seoane
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Garcia-Vence
- Proteomic Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria P Chantada-Vazquez
- Proteomic Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Susana B Bravo
- Proteomic Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Senra
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Magdalena Leiva
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Marcos
- University of Salamanca, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca-IBSAL, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Sabio
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roman Perez-Fernandez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Dieguez
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vincent Prevot
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID), 59000 Lille, France
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- University of Lübeck, Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Laboratory, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria L Martinez-Chantar
- Liver Disease Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Robert Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Francisco J Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Varela-Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Laboratory, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Clinical and Translational Digestive Research Group, IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Paula Iruzubieta
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Clinical and Translational Digestive Research Group, IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galicia Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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15
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Zhang J, Li H, Zhong H, Chen X, Hu ZX. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect peritoneal mesothelial cells from hyperglycolysis and mesothelial-mesenchymal transition through the FFAR4/CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111561. [PMID: 38262160 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Peritoneal fibrosis is a severe clinical complication associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and impacts its efficacy and patient outcomes. The process of mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) in peritoneal mesothelial cells plays a pivotal role in fibrogenesis, whereas metabolic reprogramming, characterized by excessive glycolysis, is essential in MMT development. No reliable therapies are available despite substantial progress made in understanding the mechanisms underlying peritoneal fibrosis. Protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFAs) has been described in PD-induced peritoneal fibrosis, although the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. It is known that ω3 PUFAs bind to and activate the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4). However, the expression and role of FFAR4 in the peritoneum have not been investigated. Thus, we hypothesized that ω3 PUFAs would alleviate peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting hyperglycolysis and MMT through FFAR4 activation. First, we determined FFAR4 expression in peritoneal mesothelium in humans and mice. FFAR4 expression was abnormally decreased in patients on PD and mice and HMrSV5 mesothelial cells exposed to PD fluid (PDF); this change was restored by the ω3 PUFAs (EPA and DHA). ω3 PUFAs significantly inhibited peritoneal hyperglycolysis, MMT, and fibrosis in PDF-treated mice and HMrSV5 mesothelial cells; these changes induced by ω3 PUFAs were blunted by treatment with the FFAR4 antagonist AH7614 and FFAR4 siRNA. Additionally, ω3 PUFAs induced FFAR4, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ), and AMPK and suppressed mTOR, leading to the inhibition of hyperglycolysis, demonstrating that the ω3 PUFAs-mediated FFAR4 activation ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting hyperglycolysis and MMT via CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR signaling. As natural FFAR4 agonists, ω3 PUFAs may be considered for the treatment of PD-associated peritoneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Animal Experimental Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhang-Xue Hu
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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16
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Zhang W, Lu J, Feng L, Xue H, Shen S, Lai S, Li P, Li P, Kuang J, Yang Z, Xu X. Sonic hedgehog-heat shock protein 90β axis promotes the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1280. [PMID: 38342927 PMCID: PMC10859387 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β) have been implicated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) but their molecular mechanisms of action remain elusive. We find that HSP90β is a key SHH downstream molecule for promoting NASH process. In hepatocytes, SHH reduces HSP90β ubiquitylation through deubiquitylase USP31, thus preventing HSP90β degradation and promoting hepatic lipid synthesis. HSP90β significantly increases in NASH mouse model, leading to secretion of exosomes enriched with miR-28-5p. miR-28-5p directly targetes and decreases Rap1b levels, which in turn promotes NF-κB transcriptional activity in macrophages and stimulates the expression of inflammatory factors. Genetic deletion, pharmacological inhibition of the SHH-HSP90β axis, or delivery of miR-28-5p to macrophages in the male mice liver, impairs NASH symptomatic development. Importantly, there is a markedly higher abundance of miR-28-5p in NASH patient sera. Taken together, the SHH-HSP90β-miR-28-5p axis offers promising therapeutic targets against NASH, and serum miR-28-5p may serve as a NASH diagnostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China; Center for Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine Target and New Drug Research, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junfeng Lu
- First Department of Liver Disease, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lianshun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyue Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuiqing Lai
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - PingPing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Kuang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical Collage (PUMC), Beijing, 100021, PR China.
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China; Center for Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine Target and New Drug Research, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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17
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Sinha S, Hassan N, Schwartz RE. Organelle stress and alterations in interorganelle crosstalk during liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:482-501. [PMID: 36626634 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The synchronous functioning and quality control of organelles ensure cell survival and function and are essential for maintaining homeostasis. Prolonged exposure to stressors (viruses, bacteria, parasitic infections, alcohol, drugs) or genetic mutations often disrupt the functional integrity of organelles which plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of several diseases including chronic liver diseases. One of the most important pathologic consequences of chronic liver diseases is liver fibrosis, characterized by tissue scarring due to the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Left untreated, fibrosis may advance to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC, which collectively accounts for ∼1 million deaths per year worldwide. Owing to the lack of treatment options that can regress or reverse cirrhosis, liver transplantation is currently the only available treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, the limited supply of usable donor organs, adverse effects of lifelong immunosuppressive regimes, and financial considerations pose major challenges and limit its application. Hence, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An improved understanding of the organelle-level regulation of fibrosis can help devise effective antifibrotic therapies focused on reducing organelle stress, limiting organelle damage, improving interorganelle crosstalk, and restoring organelle homeostasis; and could be a potential clinical option to avoid transplantation. This review provides a timely update on the recent findings and mechanisms covering organelle-specific dysfunctions in liver fibrosis, highlights how correction of organelle functions opens new treatment avenues and discusses the potential challenges to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Sinha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Xia Y, Wang Y, Xiong Q, He J, Wang H, Islam M, Zhou X, Kim A, Zhang H, Huang H, Tsung A. Neutrophil extracellular traps promote MASH fibrosis by metabolic reprogramming of HSC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00728. [PMID: 38266270 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) fibrosis is a reversible stage of liver disease accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Neutrophils extrude a meshwork of chromatin fibers to establish neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which play important roles in inflammatory response regulation. Our previous work demonstrated that NETs promote HCC in MASH. However, it is still unknown if NETs play a role in the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Following 12 weeks of Western diet/carbon tetrachloride, MASH fibrosis was identified in C57BL/6 mice with increased NET formation. However, NET depletion using DNase I treatment or mice knocked out for peptidyl arginine deaminase type IV significantly attenuated the development of MASH fibrosis. NETs were demonstrated to induce HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration through augmented mitochondrial and aerobic glycolysis to provide additional bioenergetic and biosynthetic supplies. Metabolomic analysis revealed markedly an altered metabolic profile upon NET stimulation of HSCs that were dependent on arachidonic acid metabolism. Mechanistically, NET stimulation of toll-like receptor 3 induced cyclooxygenase-2 activation and prostaglandin E2 production with subsequent HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 with celecoxib reduced fibrosis in our MASH model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate NETs playing a critical role in the development of MASH hepatic fibrosis by inducing metabolic reprogramming of HSCs through the toll-like receptor 3/cyclooxygenase-2/cyclooxygenase-2 pathway. Therefore, NET inhibition may represent an attractive treatment target for MASH liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiayi He
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mozaffarul Islam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alex Kim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Dutta RK, Jun J, Du K, Diehl AM. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Liver Pathophysiology. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:418-428. [PMID: 37802119 DOI: 10.1055/a-2187-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in liver homeostasis and disease. Hedgehog is a morphogenic signaling pathway that is active in development. In most healthy tissues, pathway activity is restricted to stem and/or stromal cell compartments, where it enables stem cell self-renewal and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant over-activation of Hedgehog signaling occurs in many cancers, including hepatocellular and cholangio-carcinoma. The pathway is also activated transiently in stromal cells of injured tissues and orchestrates normal wound healing responses, including inflammation, vascular remodeling, and fibrogenesis. In liver, sustained Hedgehog signaling in stromal cells plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Hedgehog signaling was thought to be silenced in healthy hepatocytes. However, recent studies show that targeted disruption of the pathway in hepatocytes dysregulates lipid, cholesterol, and bile acid metabolism, and promotes hepatic lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and senescence. Hepatocytes that lack Hedgehog activity also produce a secretome that activates Hedgehog signaling in cholangiocytes and neighboring stromal cells to induce inflammatory and fibrogenic wound healing responses that drive progressive fibrosis. In conclusion, Hedgehog signaling must be precisely controlled in adult liver cells to maintain liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - JiHye Jun
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kuo Du
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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20
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Gui R, Li W, Li Z, Wang H, Wu Y, Jiao W, Zhao G, Shen Y, Wang L, Zhang J, Chen S, Hao L, Cheng Y. Effects and potential mechanisms of IGF1/IGF1R in the liver fibrosis: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126263. [PMID: 37567540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response due to persistent liver damage and it may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer if no intervention is given. In the current cognition, liver fibrosis is reversible. So, it is of great significance to explore the related gene targets or biomarker for anti-fibrosis of liver. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) are mainly expressed in the liver tissues and play critical roles in the liver function. The present review summarized the role of IGF1/IGF1R and its signaling system in liver fibrosis and illustrated the potential mechanisms including DNA damage repair, cell senescence, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress that may be involved in this process according to the studies on the fibrosis of liver or other organs. In particular, the roles of IGF1 and IGF1R in DNA damage repair were elaborated, including membrane-localized and nucleus-localized IGF1R. In addition, for each of the potential mechanism in anti-fibrosis of liver, the signaling pathways of the IGF1/IGF1R mediated and the cell species in liver acted by IGF1 and IGF1R under different conditions were included. The data in this review will support for the study about the effect of IGF1/IGF1R on liver fibrosis induced by various factors, meanwhile, provide a basis for the study of liver fibrosis to focus on the communications between the different kinds of liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Gui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wanqiao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenlin Jiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yannan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Luping Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Linlin Hao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, China.
| | - Yunyun Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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21
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Shi Y, Guo Q, Jing F, Shang X, Zhou C, Jing F. Ubenimex suppresses glycolysis mediated by CD13/Hedgehog signaling to enhance the effect of cisplatin in liver cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2823-2836. [PMID: 37969369 PMCID: PMC10643970 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver cancer ranks third in fatalities among all cancer-related deaths. As a traditional chemotherapy drug, the application of cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin, CDDP) for the treatment of liver cancer is greatly limited by its side effects and high drug resistance. Therefore, we are in urgent need of a more effective and less toxic CDDP therapeutic regimen. Our research aimed to clarify the possible mechanism of ubenimex in enhancing the effect of CDDP on liver cancer. Methods The underlying mechanism was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transwell assay, wound healing assay and western blot assay. Results The data indicated that ubenimex suppressed the expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins by decreasing the expression levels of cluster of differentiation 13 (CD13), while overexpression of CD13 could restore the activity of glycolysis. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose enhanced the antiproliferative effect of ubenimex and CDDP. In addition, the inhibition of the activity levels of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway members was accompanied by a decrease in CD13 expression, which was reversed following CD13 overexpression. Moreover, ubenimex inhibited the production of lactic acid and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as the expression of key proteins involved in glycolysis, which was similar to the effects caused by the Hh inhibitor cyclopamine. However, the effects of ubenimex were mediated by targeting CD13, while cyclopamine exhibited no effects on CD13, suggesting that Hh signaling occurred in the downstream of CD13. The inhibition of glycolysis by cyclopamine was reduced following CD13 overexpression, which further indicated that ubenimex targeted the CD13/Hh pathway to inhibit glycolysis. Finally, wound healing and transwell assays and cell proliferation and apoptosis analysis demonstrated that ubenimex inhibited glycolysis by alleviating the CD13/Hh pathway, which in turn enhanced the effects of CDDP on inhibiting the progression of liver cancer. Conclusions Ubenimex inhibits glycolysis by targeting the CD13/Hh pathway, thus playing an anti-tumor role together with CDDP. This study demonstrated the adjuvant effect of ubenimex from the perspective of Hh signal-dependent glycolysis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanjing Jing
- Department of Lymphoma, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiuling Shang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changkai Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanbo Jing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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22
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Xie Y, Li Y, Yao J, Song X, Wang H, Zhang J, Li X. Protein Lactylation Modification and Proteomics Features in Cirrhosis Patients after UC-MSC Treatment. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8444-8460. [PMID: 37886975 PMCID: PMC10605309 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) therapy improves liver function in liver cirrhosis patients. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism underlying cell therapy by analyzing changes in the modification and expression of proteins 1 month post-treatment with UC-MSCs. This prospective study included 11 cirrhosis patients who received MSC injection. The laboratory indexes before and after treatment were collected to evaluate the clinical treatment effect of UC-MSCs, and the protein expression and lactylation modification in the liver were comprehensively revealed. Meanwhile, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to analyze the co-expression protein modules and their relationship with clinical features. The patients with liver cirrhosis showed an improvement trend after receiving UC-MSC treatment; specifically, the liver protein synthesis function was significantly improved and the coagulation function was also significantly improved. Proteomics combined with lactic acid proteomics revealed 160 lysine lactylation (Kla) sites of 119 proteins. Functional analysis showed that the lactylation-modified proteins were enriched in the pathway of glucose and other substances' metabolism, and many key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were lactated. UC-MSC therapy has a certain clinical effect in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and may act by regulating material metabolism, because the lactylation protein points to energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xie
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ying Li
- General Surgery Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jia Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- General Surgery Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- General Surgery Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
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23
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Xiang L, Wang X, Jiao Q, Shao Y, Luo R, Zhang J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Selective inhibition of glycolysis in hepatic stellate cells and suppression of liver fibrogenesis with vitamin A-derivative decorated camptothecin micelles. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:497-514. [PMID: 37507035 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The persistent transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts (MFs) and the excessive proliferation of MF-HSCs in the liver contribute to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Glycolysis inhibition of MF-HSCs can reverse their MF phenotype and suppress their abnormal expansion. Here, we have developed vitamin A-derivative (VA) decorated PEG-PCL polymeric micelles to encapsulate the labile and hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) and direct its active attack on HSCs, selectively inhibiting of HIF-1α and cellular glycolysis, ultimately repressing hepatic fibrogenesis. The obtained micelles exhibited a good stability, biocompatibility, pH sensitivity, and exceptional HSC-targetability, allowing an efficient accumulation of their carried CPT in acutely and chronically injured livers. On their intracellular release of CPT specifically in MF-HSCs, these CPT micelles nicely inhibited the HIF-1α and a series of glycolytic players in MF-HSCs and prominently suppressed their proliferation and MF phenotypic characteristics. Accordingly, on in vitro administration to the mice challenged by CCl4 or subjected to bile duct ligation, these VA-decorated CPT micelles ameliorated the pathological symptoms of the livers, as evidenced by the significant reduction in serum levels of ALT and AST, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and collagen accumulation, the drastic down-regulation of multiple fibrotic genes, and the good recovery of attenuated hepatocyte CYP2E1 and lipogenesis regulator PPARγ. Overall, the CPT carried by VA-decorated PEG-PCL polymeric micelles can selectively inhibit the glycolysis and expansion of HSCs and thus suppress fibrogenesis, providing an original and effective approach for anti-fibrotic therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our work introduces an innovative antifibrotic drug system that is developed upon the active targeting of CPT and aims for the fate reversal of HSCs. Through HSC-targeted delivery achieved by PEG-PCL polymeric micelles decorated with vitamin A-derivatives, CPT significantly suppressed the expressions of HIF-1α and glycolytic enzymes in MF-HSCs, as well as their pathologic expansion in mouse livers. It effectively ameliorated chronic liver fibrosis in mice induced by CCl4 injection or BDL and restored the damaged liver structure and function. These compelling findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of glycolytic HSC-targeting in combating fibrosis and related disorders and thus provide new promise for future clinical management of such prevalent and life-threatening conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 410001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Rui Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 410001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China.
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Habibi M, Ferguson D, Eichler SJ, Chan MM, LaPoint A, Shew TM, He M, Lutkewitte AJ, Schilling JD, Cho KY, Patti GJ, Finck BN. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Inhibition Attenuates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Injury in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528384. [PMID: 36824926 PMCID: PMC9949033 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are non-parenchymal liver cells that produce extracellular matrix comprising fibrotic lesions in chronic liver diseases. Prior work demonstrated that mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitors suppress HSC activation and fibrosis in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In the present study, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of the MPC in HSC decreased expression of markers of activation in vitro. MPC knockdown also reduced the abundance of several intermediates of the TCA cycle, and diminished α-ketoglutarate played a key role in attenuating HSC activation by suppressing hypoxia inducible factor-1α signaling. On high fat diets, mice with HSC-specific MPC deletion exhibited reduced circulating transaminases, numbers of HSC, and hepatic expression of markers of HSC activation and inflammation compared to wild-type mice. These data suggest that MPC inhibition modulates HSC metabolism to attenuate activation and illuminate mechanisms by which MPC inhibitors could prove therapeutically beneficial for treating MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Habibi
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Daniel Ferguson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Sophie J. Eichler
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Mandy M. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Andrew LaPoint
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Trevor M. Shew
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Mai He
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Andrew J. Lutkewitte
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Joel D. Schilling
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Kevin Y. Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Gary J. Patti
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Chemistry, Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Brian N. Finck
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
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Rho H, Terry AR, Chronis C, Hay N. Hexokinase 2-mediated gene expression via histone lactylation is required for hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1406-1423.e8. [PMID: 37463576 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Lactate was implicated in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the mechanism by which lactate exerts its effect remains elusive. Using RNA-seq and CUT&Tag chromatin profiling, we found that induction of hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression in activated HSCs is required for induced gene expression by histone lactylation but not histone acetylation. Inhibiting histone lactylation by Hk2 deletion or pharmacological inhibition of lactate production diminishes HSC activation, whereas exogenous lactate but not acetate supplementation rescues the activation phenotype. Thus, lactate produced by activated HSCs determines the HSC fate via histone lactylation. We found that histone acetylation competes with histone lactylation, which could explain why class I HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors impede HSC activation. Finally, HSC-specific or systemic deletion of HK2 inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis in vivo. Therefore, we provide evidence that HK2 may be an effective therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsoo Rho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alexander R Terry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Constantinos Chronis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nissim Hay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Research and Development Section, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Le CT, Nguyen G, Park SY, Dong HN, Cho YK, Lee JH, Im SS, Choi DH, Cho EH. Phloretin Ameliorates Succinate-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Hepatic Stellate Cells. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2023; 38:395-405. [PMID: 37533177 PMCID: PMC10475967 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cells which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. During injury, extracellular stimulators can induce HSCs transdifferentiated into active form. Phloretin showed its ability to protect the liver from injury, so in this research we would like to investigate the effect of phloretin on succinate-induced HSCs activation in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo study. METHODS In in vitro, succinate was used to induce HSCs activation, and then the effect of phloretin on activated HSCs was examined. In in vivo, succinate was used to generated liver fibrosis in mouse and phloretin co-treated to check its protection on the liver. RESULTS Phloretin can reduce the increase of fibrogenic markers and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and contraction caused by succinate in in vitro experiments. Moreover, an upregulation of proteins associated with aerobic glycolysis occurred during the activation of HSCs, which was attenuated by phloretin treatment. In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal injection of phloretin decreased expression of fibrotic and glycolytic markers in the livers of mice with sodium succinate diet-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that aerobic glycolysis plays critical role in activation of HSCs and succinate can induce liver fibrosis in mice, whereas phloretin has therapeutic potential for treating hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal injection of phloretin attenuated succinate-induced hepatic fibrosis and alleviates the succinate-induced HSCs activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Thuc Le
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Giang Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hanh Nguyen Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seung-Soon Im
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen T, Lin Y, Gong J, Xu Q, Wang J, Li J, Meng Y, Li Y, Li X. Caveolin-1 depletion attenuates hepatic fibrosis via promoting SQSTM1-mediated PFKL degradation in HSCs. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 204:95-107. [PMID: 37116593 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The key glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) is responsible for maintaining glycolytic stability and an important energy source for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, its regulation in activated HSCs remains unclear. Caveolin-1 (Cav1), a major constituent of caveolae, has emerged as a key target for triggering glycolysis. However, the relationship between Cav1 and glycolysis during HSC activation is not well established. In this study, Cav1 was upregulated in mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues. We concluded that HSC-specific Cav1 knockdown markedly alleviates liver injury and fibrosis. Mechanistically, Cav1 was elevated during primary mouse HSC activation, competing with SQSTM1 for the regulatory subunit of PFK liver type and inhibiting the SQSTM1-mediated autophagy-independent lysosomal degradation pathway to sustain HSC activation. We also identified the heptapeptide alamandine as a promising therapeutic agent that downregulates Cav1 protein levels via proteasomal degradation and may impair glycolysis. Our study provides evidence of the crucial role and mechanism of Cav1 in the glucose metabolic network in HSCs and highlights Cav1 as a critical therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Gong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihan Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jierui Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
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Baudo G, Wu S, Massaro M, Liu H, Lee H, Zhang A, Hamilton DJ, Blanco E. Polymer-Functionalized Mitochondrial Transplantation to Fibroblasts Counteracts a Pro-Fibrotic Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10913. [PMID: 37446100 PMCID: PMC10342003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) leads to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition-a well-known hallmark of fibrotic disease. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the primary cytokine driving FMT, and this phenotypic conversion is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, notably a metabolic reprogramming towards enhanced glycolysis. The objective of this study was to examine whether the establishment of favorable metabolic phenotypes in TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts could attenuate FMT. The hypothesis was that mitochondrial replenishment of TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts would counteract a shift towards glycolytic metabolism, consequently offsetting pro-fibrotic processes. Isolated mitochondria, functionalized with a dextran and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) (Dex-TPP) polymer conjugate, were administered to fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells) stimulated with TGF-β, and effects on bioenergetics and fibrotic programming were subsequently examined. Results demonstrate that TGF-β stimulation of fibroblasts led to FMT, which was associated with enhanced glycolysis. Dex-TPP-coated mitochondria (Dex-TPP/Mt) delivery to TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts abrogated a metabolic shift towards glycolysis and led to a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Importantly, TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts treated with Dex-TPP/Mt had lessened expression of FMT markers and ECM proteins, as well as reduced migration and proliferation. Findings highlight the potential of mitochondrial transfer, as well as other strategies involving functional reinforcement of mitochondria, as viable therapeutic modalities in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gherardo Baudo
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- College of Materials Sciences and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Suhong Wu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matteo Massaro
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- College of Materials Sciences and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoran Liu
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyunho Lee
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dale J. Hamilton
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elvin Blanco
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kim J, Lee C, Han J, Jeong H, Wang S, Choi YH, Jung Y. Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2023; 12:1658. [PMID: 37371128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsol Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Pusan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Gilgenkrantz H, Paradis V, Lotersztajn S. Cell metabolism-based therapy for liver fibrosis, repair, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00454. [PMID: 37212145 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver injury to fibrosis, abnormal liver regeneration, and HCC is driven by a dysregulated dialog between epithelial cells and their microenvironment, in particular immune, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. There is currently no antifibrogenic therapy, and drug treatment of HCC is limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming of epithelial and nonparenchymal cells is critical at each stage of disease progression, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could constitute an interesting therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss how modulating intrinsic metabolism of key effector liver cells might disrupt the pathogenic sequence from chronic liver injury to fibrosis/cirrhosis, regeneration, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gilgenkrantz
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, Beaujon Hospital APHP, Paris-Cité University, Clichy, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
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Yin KL, Li M, Song PP, Duan YX, Ye WT, Tang W, Kokudo N, Gao Q, Liao R. Unraveling the Emerging Niche Role of Hepatic Stellate Cell-derived Exosomes in Liver Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:441-451. [PMID: 36643031 PMCID: PMC9817040 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in various liver diseases, and exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular communication in local and distant microenvironments. Cellular crosstalk between HSCs and surrounding multiple tissue-resident cells promotes or inhibits the activation of HSCs. Substantial evidence has revealed that HSC-derived exosomes are involved in the occurrence and development of liver diseases through the regulation of retinoid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, protein metabolism, and mitochondrial metabolism. HSC-derived exosomes are underpinned by vehicle molecules, such as mRNAs and microRNAs, that function in, and significantly affect, the processes of various liver diseases, such as acute liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. As such, numerous exosomes derived from HSCs or HSC-associated exosomes have attracted attention because of their biological roles and translational applications as potential targets for therapeutic targets. Herein, we review the pathophysiological and metabolic processes associated with HSC-derived exosomes, their roles in various liver diseases and their potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Li Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei-Pei Song
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Tao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Tang
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
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Yu X, Li W, Feng Y, Gao Z, Wu Q, Xia Y. The prognostic value of hedgehog signaling in bladder cancer by integrated bioinformatics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6241. [PMID: 37069207 PMCID: PMC10110581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the second most prevalent urological malignancy. It's a big contributor to cancer-related deaths throughout the globe. Researchers discovered that the hedgehog signaling (HhS) pathway contributed to the onset and spread of many different kinds of cancer. Nevertheless, the present understanding of the function of HhS in the bladder cancer molecular landscape is incomplete. Raw data were gotten from the IMvigor210, the Gene Expression Omnibus, and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Bioinformatics was used to examine the HhS score of each sample, and the enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentiation characteristics, immunological infiltration, and metabolic activity. The HhS prognostic signature was developed with significant assistance from the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression. An HhS-related nomogram was developed to assist in the prediction of patients' survival probability. We found that HhS was linked to poor prognosis in bladder cancer, and its activation was linked to the Basal subtype of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer with high HhS activity has higher glycolysis, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and other cancer-promoting metabolic activities. Furthermore, HhS mediates an immunosuppressive microenvironment in bladder cancer on the basis that HhS negatively correlates with the CD8 + T cells and correlates positively with immune checkpoints and T cell exhaustion scores. Finally, an HhS-related signature was developed for predicting the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. Targeting HhS may be a potential therapy choice for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenge Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Artemed Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Feng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Artemed Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Xia
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Lyu SY, Xiao W, Cui GZ, Yu C, Liu H, Lyu M, Kuang QY, Xiao EH, Luo YH. Role and mechanism of DNA methylation and its inhibitors in hepatic fibrosis. Front Genet 2023; 14:1124330. [PMID: 37056286 PMCID: PMC10086238 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1124330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a repair response to injury caused by various chronic stimuli that continually act on the liver. Among them, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and their transformation into a myofibroblast phenotype is a key event leading to liver fibrosis, however the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. The molecular basis of HSC activation involves changes in the regulation of gene expression without changes in the genome sequence, namely, via epigenetic regulation. DNA methylation is a key focus of epigenetic research, as it affects the expression of fibrosis-related, metabolism-related, and tumor suppressor genes. Increasing studies have shown that DNA methylation is closely related to several physiological and pathological processes including HSC activation and liver fibrosis. This review aimed to discuss the mechanism of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, explore DNA methylation inhibitors as potential therapies for liver fibrosis, and provide new insights on the prevention and clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wang Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guang-Zu Cui
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian-Ya Kuang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong-Heng Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Zhu N, Yang R, Wang X, Yuan L, Li X, Wei F, Zhang L. The Hippo signaling pathway: from multiple signals to the hallmarks of cancers. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023. [PMID: 36942989 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved, the Hippo signaling pathway is critical in regulating organ size and tissue homeostasis. The activity of this pathway is tightly regulated under normal circumstances, since its physical function is precisely maintained to control the rate of cell proliferation. Failure of maintenance leads to a variety of tumors. Our understanding of the mechanism of Hippo dysregulation and tumorigenesis is becoming increasingly precise, relying on the emergence of upstream inhibitor or activator and the connection linking Hippo target genes, mutations, and related signaling pathways with phenotypes. In this review, we summarize recent reports on the signaling network of the Hippo pathway in tumorigenesis and progression by exploring its critical mechanisms in cancer biology and potential targeting in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ruizeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Liang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fang Wei
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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Li Y, Guha C, Asp P, Wang X, Tchaikovskya TL, Kim K, Mendel M, Cost GJ, Perlmutter DH, Roy-Chowdhury N, Fox IJ, Conway A, Roy-Chowdhury J. Resolution of hepatic fibrosis after ZFN-mediated gene editing in the PiZ mouse model of human α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0070. [PMID: 36848094 PMCID: PMC9974076 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND α1-antitrypsin deficiency is most commonly caused by a mutation in exon-7 of SERPINA1 (SA1-ATZ), resulting in hepatocellular accumulation of a misfolded variant (ATZ). Human SA1-ATZ-transgenic (PiZ) mice exhibit hepatocellular ATZ accumulation and liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that disrupting the SA1-ATZ transgene in PiZ mice by in vivo genome editing would confer a proliferative advantage to the genome-edited hepatocytes, enabling them to repopulate the liver. METHODS To create a targeted DNA break in exon-7 of the SA1-ATZ transgene, we generated 2 recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) expressing a zinc-finger nuclease pair (rAAV-ZFN), and another rAAV for gene correction by targeted insertion (rAAV-TI). PiZ mice were injected i.v. with rAAV-TI alone or the rAAV-ZFNs at a low (7.5×1010vg/mouse, LD) or a high dose (1.5×1011vg/mouse, HD), with or without rAAV-TI. Two weeks and 6 months after treatment, livers were harvested for molecular, histological, and biochemical analyses. RESULTS Two weeks after treatment, deep sequencing of the hepatic SA1-ATZ transgene pool showed 6%±3% or 15%±4% nonhomologous end joining in mice receiving LD or HD rAAV-ZFN, respectively, which increased to 36%±12% and 36%±12%, respectively, 6 months after treatment. Two weeks postinjection of rAAV-TI with LD or HD of rAAV-ZFN, repair by targeted insertion occurred in 0.10%±0.09% and 0.25%±0.14% of SA1-ATZ transgenes, respectively, which increased to 5.2%±5.0% and 33%±13%, respectively, 6 months after treatment. Six months after rAAV-ZFN administration, there was a marked clearance of ATZ globules from hepatocytes, and resolution of liver fibrosis, along with reduction of hepatic TAZ/WWTR1, hedgehog ligands, Gli2, a TIMP, and collagen content. CONCLUSIONS ZFN-mediated SA1-ATZ transgene disruption provides a proliferative advantage to ATZ-depleted hepatocytes, enabling them to repopulate the liver and reverse hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Li
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Patrik Asp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatyana L. Tchaikovskya
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, California, USA
| | | | | | - David H. Perlmutter
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Namita Roy-Chowdhury
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ira J. Fox
- Department of Surgery, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jayanta Roy-Chowdhury
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Wiering L, Subramanian P, Hammerich L. Hepatic Stellate Cells: Dictating Outcome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1277-1292. [PMID: 36828280 PMCID: PMC10148161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fast growing, chronic liver disease affecting ∼25% of the global population. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease severity ranges from the less severe simple hepatic steatosis to the more advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The presence of NASH predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This makes hepatic fibrosis an important indicator of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH. Hepatic stellate cell activation dictates fibrosis development during NASH. Here, we discuss recent advances in the analysis of the profibrogenic pathways and mediators of hepatic stellate cell activation and inactivation, which ultimately determine the course of disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leke Wiering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pallavi Subramanian
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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37
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Xiang L, Wang X, Shao Y, Jiao Q, Cheng J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Folate Decoration Supports the Targeting of Camptothecin Micelles against Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and the Suppression of Fibrogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:2030-2042. [PMID: 36571106 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As the central cellular player in fibrogenesis, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major target of antifibrotic nanomedicines. Based on our finding that activated HSCs increase the expression of folate receptor alpha (FRα), we tried to apply folic acid (FA) decoration to generate an active drug-targeting at aHSCs and suppress hepato-fibrogenesis. FA-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers (PEG-PCL) were synthesized and self-assembled into the spherical micelles that owned a uniform size distribution averaging at 60 nm, excellent hemo- and cyto-compatibility, and pH-sensitive stability. These FA-modified micelles were preferentially ingested by aHSCs as expected and accumulated more in acutely CCl4 injured mouse livers compared to nondecorated counterparts. Such an aHSC targetability facilitated the loaded medicinal camptothecin (CPT) to achieve a greater therapeutic efficacy and inhibition of MF phenotypic genes in aHSCs. Encouragingly, though free CPT and nontargeting CPT micelles produced negligible curative outcomes, FA-decorated CPT micelles yielded effectively remedial effects in chronically CCl4-induced fibrotic mice, as represented by a significant shrinkage of aHSC population, suppression of fibrogenesis, and recovery of liver structure and function, clearly indicating the success of the folate decoration-supported aHSC-targeted strategy for antifibrotic nanomedicines in fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010023. [PMID: PMID: 36612019 PMCID: PMC9818030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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Mohammad Omar J, Hai Y, Jin S. Hypoxia-induced factor and its role in liver fibrosis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14299. [PMID: 36523459 PMCID: PMC9745792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis develops as a result of severe liver damage and is considered a major clinical concern throughout the world. Many factors are crucial for liver fibrosis progression. While advancements have been made to understand this disease, no effective pharmacological drug and treatment strategies have been established that can effectively prevent liver fibrosis or even could halt the fibrotic process. Most of those advances in curing liver fibrosis have been aimed towards mitigating the causes of fibrosis, including the development of potent antivirals to inhibit the hepatitis virus. It is not practicable for many individuals; however, a liver transplant becomes the only suitable alternative. A liver transplant is an expensive procedure. Thus, there is a significant need to identify potential targets of liver fibrosis and the development of such agents that can effectively treat or reverse liver fibrosis by targeting them. Researchers have identified hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the last 16 years as important transcription factors driving several facets of liver fibrosis, making them possible therapeutic targets. The latest knowledge on HIFs and their possible role in liver fibrosis, along with the cell-specific activities of such transcription factors that how they play role in liver fibrosis progression, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mohammad Omar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Hai
- College of International Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Pibiri M, Simbula G. Role of the Hippo pathway in liver regeneration and repair: recent advances. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:59. [PMID: 36471376 PMCID: PMC9720992 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the signaling pathways involved in normal liver regeneration have been well characterized, less has been done for livers affected by chronic tissue damage. These "abnormal livers" have an impaired regenerative response that leads to liver repair and fibrosis. The tumor suppressor Hippo pathway plays a key role in liver regeneration and repair. On this basis, this review discusses recent studies focusing on the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway during "normal healthy liver regeneration" (i.e., in a normal liver after 2/3 partial hepatectomy) and "abnormal liver regeneration" (i.e., in a liver damaged by chronic disease). This could be an important question to address with respect to new therapies aimed at improving impaired liver regenerative responses. The studies reported here have shown that activation of the Hippo coactivators YAP/TAZ during normal liver regeneration promotes the formation of a new bile duct network through direct BEC proliferation or/and hepatocyte dedifferentiation to HPCs which can trans-differentiate to BECs. Moreover, YAP/TAZ signaling interaction with other signaling pathways mediates the recruitment and activation of Kupffer cells, which release mitogenic cytokines for parenchymal and/or non-parenchymal cells and engage in phagocytosis of cellular debris. In addition, YAP-mediated activation of stellate cells (HSCs) promotes liver regeneration through the synthesis of extracellular matrix. However, in chronically diseased livers, where the predetermined threshold for proper liver regeneration is exceeded, YAP/TAZ activation results in a reparative process characterized by liver fibrosis. In this condition, YAP/TAZ activation in parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells results in (i) differentiation of quiescent HSCs into myofibroblastic HSCs; (ii) recruitment of macrophages releasing inflammatory cytokines; (iii) polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. Since accumulation of damaged hepatocytes in chronic liver injury represent a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocarcinoma, this review also discussed the involvement of the Hippo pathway in the clearance of damaged cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pibiri
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Blocco A. 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Simbula
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Blocco A. 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
AIM Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most types of chronic liver injuries. There is no specific treatment for liver fibrosis at present. The liver microenvironment, which fosters the survival and activity of liver cells, plays an important role in maintaining the normal structure and physiological function of the liver. The aim of this review is to deeply understand the role of the liver microenvironment in the dynamic and complicated development of liver fibrosis. METHODS After searching in Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'liver fibrosis' and 'microenvironment' as keywords, studies related to microenvironment in liver fibrosis was compiled and examined. RESULTS The homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted during the development of liver fibrosis, affecting liver cell function, causing various types of cell reactions, and changing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, eventually affecting fibrosis formation. CONCLUSION Liver microenvironment may be important for identifying potential therapeutic targets, and restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.KEY MESSAGESThe homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted in liver fibrosis;A pro-fibrotic microenvironment is formed during the development of liver fibrosis;Restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Guo X, Zheng B, Wang J, Zhao T, Zheng Y. Exploring the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine in regulating liver fibrosis based on the alteration of glucose metabolic pathways. Phytother Res 2022. [PMID: 36433866 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis has become a research hotspot in the field of liver fibrosis at home and abroad. Liver fibrosis is a pathological change caused by chronic liver injury from a variety of causes. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of many chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as the pathogenesis of the disease. The development of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis must go through the pathological process of liver fibrosis, in which hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play an important role. Following liver injury, HSC are activated and transdifferentiated into scar-forming myofibroblasts, which drive the trauma healing response and which rely on the deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix to maintain tissue integrity. This reaction will continue without strict control, which will lead to excessive accumulation of matrix and liver fibrosis. The mechanisms and clinical studies of liver fibrosis have been the focus of research in liver diseases. In recent years, several studies have revealed the mechanism of HSC metabolic reprogramming and the impact of this process on liver fibrosis, in which glucose metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in the activation of HSC, and it mainly meets the energy demand of HSC activation by upregulating glycolysis. Glycolysis is the process by which one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate and produces energy and lactate under anaerobic conditions. Various factors have been found to be involved in regulating the glycolytic process of HSC, including glucose transport, intracellular processing of glucose, exosome secretion, and lactate production, etc. Inhibition of the glycolytic process of HSC can be an effective strategy against liver fibrosis. Currently, the combined action of multiple targets and links of Chinese medicine such as turmeric, comfrey, rhubarb and scutellaria baicalensis against the mechanism of liver fibrosis can effectively improve or even reverse liver fibrosis. This paper summarizes that turmeric extract curcumin, comfrey extract comfreyin, rhubarb, Subtle yang yu yin granules, Scutellaria baicalensis extract oroxylin A and cardamom extract cardamomin affect liver fibrosis by regulating gluconeogenic reprogramming. Therefore, studying the mechanism of action of TCM in regulating liver fibrosis through reprogramming of glucose metabolism is promising to explore new methods and approaches for Chinese Medicine modernization research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Guo
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Tiejian Zhao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
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Yin X, Peng J, Gu L, Liu Y, Li X, Wu J, Xu B, Zhuge Y, Zhang F. Targeting glutamine metabolism in hepatic stellate cells alleviates liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:955. [PMID: 36376267 PMCID: PMC9663710 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays an essential role in cell growth, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a key enzyme. GDH promotes the metabolism of glutamate and glutamine to generate ATP, which is profoundly increased in multiple human cancers. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we verified that the small-molecule GDH inhibitor EGCG slowed the progression of fibrosis by inhibiting GDH enzyme activity and glutamine metabolism. SIRT4 is a mitochondrial enzyme with NAD that promotes ADP ribosylation and downregulates GDH activity. The role of SIRT4 in liver fibrosis and the related mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we measured the expression of SIRT4 and found that it was downregulated in liver fibrosis. Modest overexpression of SIRT4 protected the liver from fibrosis by inhibiting the transformation of glutamate to 2-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), thereby reducing the proliferative activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Collectively, our study reveals that SIRT4 controls GDH enzyme activity and expression, targeting glutamine metabolism in HSCs and alleviating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Yin
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Jin Peng
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XHepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center & Liver Transplantation Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lihong Gu
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yan Liu
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xihan Li
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XJiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Bing Xu
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yuzheng Zhuge
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Zhang
- grid.412676.00000 0004 1799 0784Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
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Kuhn AR, van Bilsen M. Oncometabolism: A Paradigm for the Metabolic Remodeling of the Failing Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213902. [PMID: 36430377 PMCID: PMC9699042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is associated with profound alterations in cardiac intermediary metabolism. One of the prevailing hypotheses is that metabolic remodeling leads to a mismatch between cardiac energy (ATP) production and demand, thereby impairing cardiac function. However, even after decades of research, the relevance of metabolic remodeling in the pathogenesis of heart failure has remained elusive. Here we propose that cardiac metabolic remodeling should be looked upon from more perspectives than the mere production of ATP needed for cardiac contraction and relaxation. Recently, advances in cancer research have revealed that the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells, often coined as oncometabolism, directly impacts cellular phenotype and function. Accordingly, it is well feasible that the rewiring of cardiac cellular metabolism during the development of heart failure serves similar functions. In this review, we reflect on the influence of principal metabolic pathways on cellular phenotype as originally described in cancer cells and discuss their potential relevance for cardiac pathogenesis. We discuss current knowledge of metabolism-driven phenotypical alterations in the different cell types of the heart and evaluate their impact on cardiac pathogenesis and therapy.
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Cantanhede IG, Liu H, Liu H, Balbuena Rodriguez V, Shiwen X, Ong VH, Denton CP, Ponticos M, Xiong G, Lima-Filho JL, Abraham D, Abu-Hanna J, Taanman JW. Exploring metabolism in scleroderma reveals opportunities for pharmacological intervention for therapy in fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1004949. [PMID: 36304460 PMCID: PMC9592691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1004949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent evidence has indicated that alterations in energy metabolism play a critical role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. Studies have suggested that ‘metabolic reprogramming’ involving the glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cells lead to an enhanced generation of energy and biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to assess the molecular basis of changes in fibrotic metabolism in systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma; SSc) and highlight the most appropriate targets for anti-fibrotic therapies. Materials and methods Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from five SSc patients and five healthy donors. Cells were cultured in medium with/without TGF-β1 and with/without ALK5, pan-PIM or ATM kinase inhibitors. Extracellular flux analyses were performed to evaluate glycolytic and mitochondrial respiratory function. The mitochondrial network in TMRM-stained cells was visualized by confocal laser-scanning microscopy, followed by semi-automatic analysis on the ImageJ platform. Protein expression of ECM and fibroblast components, glycolytic enzymes, subunits of the five OXPHOS complexes, and dynamin-related GTPases and receptors involved in mitochondrial fission/fusion were assessed by western blotting. Results Enhanced mitochondrial respiration coupled to ATP production was observed in SSc fibroblasts at the expense of spare respiratory capacity. Although no difference was found in glycolysis when comparing SSc with healthy control fibroblasts, levels of phophofructokinase-1 isoform PFKM were significantly lower in SSc fibroblasts (P<0.05). Our results suggest that the number of respirasomes is decreased in the SSc mitochondria; however, the organelles formed a hyperfused network, which is thought to increase mitochondrial ATP production through complementation. The increased mitochondrial fusion correlated with a change in expression levels of regulators of mitochondrial morphology, including decreased levels of DRP1, increased levels of MIEF2 and changes in OPA1 isoform ratios. TGF-β1 treatment strongly stimulated glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration and induced the expression of fibrotic markers. The pan-PIM kinase inhibitor had no effect, whereas both ALK5 and ATM kinase inhibition abrogated TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast activation, and upregulation of glycolysis and respiration. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for a novel mechanism(s) by which SSc fibroblasts exhibit altered metabolic programs and highlight changes in respiration and dysregulated mitochondrial morphology and function, which can be selectively targeted by small molecule kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Gomes Cantanhede
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Huan Liu
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vestaen Balbuena Rodriguez
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xu Shiwen
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Voo H. Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markella Ponticos
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guo Xiong
- Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - José Luiz Lima-Filho
- Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - David Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: David Abraham, ; Jan-Willem Taanman,
| | - Jeries Abu-Hanna
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan-Willem Taanman
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: David Abraham, ; Jan-Willem Taanman,
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HajiEsmailPoor Z, Tabnak P, Ahmadzadeh B, Ebrahimi SS, Faal B, Mashatan N. Role of hedgehog signaling related non-coding RNAs in developmental and pathological conditions. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Tamari Y, Takata T, Takeno S, Tanaka H, Yamazaki H, Yamada K, Suzuki M. Influence of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy on Normal Liver Tissue. Radiat Res 2022; 198:368-374. [PMID: 35904430 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00018.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, occurs when radiation damages the liver. Basic research on hepatic fibrosis, which is a late radiation injury, is necessary for evaluating adverse liver events occurring after boron neutron capture therapy. This study was conducted to establish a method for analyzing the negative effect such as fibrosis in the liver tissue after boron neutron capture therapy. Female C57BL6 mice were injected with p-boronophenylalanine solution subcutaneously at 2 h before neutron irradiation. Masson trichrome staining was performed to determine the degree of liver fibrosis. The degree of fat accumulation in mouse normal liver tissue after boron neutron capture therapy was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and triglyceride quantification. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression level of Sonic Hedgehog. Liver fat accumulation and fibrosis were significantly increased in the neutron irradiation group injected with p-boronophenylalanine compared with control group. In addition, Sonic Hedgehog expression was increased in response to boron neutron capture therapy-induced liver injury and was involved in liver fibrosis. Hepatocellular fat accumulation and Hedgehog signaling activation may be indicators of adverse events related to boron neutron capture therapy associated with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Tamari
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takushi Takata
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takeno
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideya Yamazaki
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Yamada
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Suzuki
- Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2-1010, Asashiro-nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka, Japan
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Yao Y, Wang Y, Yang F, Wang C, Mao M, Gai Q, He J, Qin Y, Yao X, Lan X, Zhu J, Lu H, Zeng H, Yao X, Bian X, Wang Y. Targeting AKT and CK2 represents a novel therapeutic strategy for SMO constitutive activation-driven medulloblastoma. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1033-1044. [PMID: 35419951 PMCID: PMC9160449 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Sonic hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma is featured with overactivation of hedgehog pathway and can be targeted by SMO-specific inhibitors. However, the resistance is frequently developed leading to treatment failure of SMO inhibitors. W535L mutation of SMO (SMOW535L ) is thought to be an oncogenic driver for Sonic hedgehog subtype MB and confer resistance to SMO inhibitors. The regulation network of SMOW535L remains to be explored in comparison with wild-type SMO (SMOWT ). METHODS In this study, we profiled transcriptomes, methylomes, and interactomes of MB cells expression SMOWT or SMOW535L in the treatment of DMSO or SMO inhibitor, respectively. RESULTS Analysis of transcriptomic data indicated that SMO inhibitor disrupted processes of endocytosis and cilium organization in MB cells with SMOWT , which are necessary for SMO activation. In MB cells with SMOW535L , however, SMO inhibitor did not affect the two processes-related genes, implying resistance of SMOW535L toward SMO inhibitor. Moreover, we noticed that SMO inhibitor significantly inhibited metabolism-related pathways. Our metabolic analysis indicated that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies might be involved in SMOW535L function maintenance. Interactomic analysis revealed casein kinase II (CK2) as an important SMO-associated protein. Finally, we linked CK2 and AKT together and found combination of inhibitors targeting CK2 and AKT showed synergetic effects to inhibit the growth of MB cells with SMO constitutive activation mutation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our work described SMO-related transcriptomes, metabolomes, and interactomes under different SMO status and treatment conditions, identifying CK2 and AKT as therapeutic targets for SHH-subtype MB cells with SMO inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue‐Liang Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
- Fuzhou Medical College of Nanchang UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yan‐Xia Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Fei‐Cheng Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Chuan Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Min Mao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Qu‐Jing Gai
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Jiang He
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Yan Qin
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Xiao‐Xue Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Xi Lan
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Hui‐Min Lu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Hui Zeng
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Xiao‐Hong Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Xiu‐Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer CenterSouthwest HospitalArmy Medical University (Third Military Medical University)ChongqingChina
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Inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A in hepatic stellate cells protects against fibrosis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:15-28. [PMID: 35167910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis requires activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs); once activated, HSCs lose intracellular fatty acids but the role of fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) in this process remains largely unexplored. METHODS CPT1A was found in HSCs of patients with fibrosis. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation of CPT1A were performed in human HSC cell lines and primary HCSs. Finally, we induced fibrosis in mice lacking CPT1A specifically in HSCs. RESULTS Herein, we show that CPT1A expression is elevated in HSCs of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, showing a positive correlation with the fibrosis score. This was corroborated in rodents with fibrosis, as well as in primary human HSCs and LX-2 cells activated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). Furthermore, both pharmacological and genetic silencing of CPT1A prevent TGFβ1- and FBS-induced HSC activation by reducing mitochondrial activity. The overexpression of CPT1A, induced by saturated fatty acids and reactive oxygen species, triggers mitochondrial activity and the expression of fibrogenic markers. Finally, mice lacking CPT1A specifically in HSCs are protected against fibrosis induced by a choline-deficient high-fat diet, a methionine- and choline-deficient diet, or treatment with carbon tetrachloride. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CPT1A plays a critical role in the activation of HSCs and is implicated in the development of liver fibrosis, making it a potentially actionable target for fibrosis treatment. LAY SUMMARY We show that the enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) is elevated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in patients with fibrosis and mouse models of fibrosis, and that CPT1A induces the activation of these cells. Inhibition of CPT1A ameliorates fibrosis by preventing the activation of HSCs.
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Yiew NKH, Finck BN. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier at the crossroads of intermediary metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 323:E33-E52. [PMID: 35635330 PMCID: PMC9273276 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00074.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pyruvate metabolism, a central nexus of carbon homeostasis, is an evolutionarily conserved process and aberrant pyruvate metabolism is associated with and contributes to numerous human metabolic disorders including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. As a product of glycolysis, pyruvate is primarily generated in the cytosol before being transported into the mitochondrion for further metabolism. Pyruvate entry into the mitochondrial matrix is a critical step for efficient generation of reducing equivalents and ATP and for the biosynthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids from pyruvate. However, for many years, the identity of the carrier protein(s) that transported pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix remained a mystery. In 2012, the molecular-genetic identification of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), a heterodimeric complex composed of protein subunits MPC1 and MPC2, enabled studies that shed light on the many metabolic and physiological processes regulated by pyruvate metabolism. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating pyruvate transport and the processes affected by pyruvate metabolism may enable novel therapeutics to modulate mitochondrial pyruvate flux to treat a variety of disorders. Herein, we review our current knowledge of the MPC, discuss recent advances in the understanding of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism in various tissue and cell types, and address some of the outstanding questions relevant to this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K H Yiew
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brian N Finck
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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