1
|
Pal SC, Castillo-Castañeda SM, Díaz-Orozco LE, Ramírez-Mejía MM, Dorantes-Heredia R, Alonso-Morales R, Eslam M, Lammert F, Méndez-Sánchez N. Molecular Mechanisms Involved in MAFLD in Cholecystectomized Patients: A Cohort Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1935. [PMID: 37895284 PMCID: PMC10606482 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101935] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallstone disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) share numerous common risk factors and progression determinants in that they both manifest as organ-specific consequences of metabolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis development in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients remain inadequately defined. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of farnesoid X receptor 1 (FXR1) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in the progression of fibrosis in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients. A meticulously characterized cohort of 12 patients diagnosed with MAFLD, who had undergone liver biopsies during programmed cholecystectomies, participated in this study. All enrolled patients underwent a follow-up regimen at 1, 3, and 6 months post-cholecystectomy, during which metabolic biochemical markers were assessed, along with elastography, which served as indirect indicators of fibrosis. Additionally, the hepatic expression levels of FGFR4 and FXR1 were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our findings revealed a robust correlation between hepatic FGFR4 expression and various histological features, including the steatosis degree (r = 0.779, p = 0.023), ballooning degeneration (r = 0.764, p = 0.027), interphase inflammation (r = 0.756, p = 0.030), and steatosis activity score (SAS) (r = 0.779, p = 0.023). Conversely, hepatic FXR1 expression did not exhibit any significant correlations with these histological features. In conclusion, our study highlights a substantial correlation between FGFR4 expression and histological liver damage, emphasizing its potential role in lipid and glucose metabolism. These findings suggest that FGFR4 may play a crucial role in the progression of fibrosis in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms through which FGFR4 influences metabolic dysfunction and fibrosis in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya C. Pal
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
| | - Stephany M. Castillo-Castañeda
- Medical, Dental and Health Sciences Master and Doctorate Program, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
| | - Luis E. Díaz-Orozco
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
| | - Mariana M. Ramírez-Mejía
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
- Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Rita Dorantes-Heredia
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
| | - Rogelio Alonso-Morales
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Frank Lammert
- Health Sciences, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Angiogenic growth factors interactome and drug discovery: The contribution of surface plasmon resonance. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:293-310. [PMID: 25465594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer, and in regenerative processes, including the formation of collateral blood vessels after stroke. Physiological angiogenesis is the outcome of a fine balance between the action of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) and anti-angiogenic molecules, while pathological angiogenesis occurs when this balance is pushed toward AGFs. AGFs interact with multiple endothelial cell (EC) surface receptors inducing cell proliferation, migration and proteases upregulation. On the contrary, free or extracellular matrix-associated molecules inhibit angiogenesis by sequestering AGFs (thus hampering EC stimulation) or by interacting with specific EC receptors inducing apoptosis or decreasing responsiveness to AGFs. Thus, angiogenesis results from an intricate network of interactions among pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, EC receptors and various modulators. All these interactions represent targets for the development of pro- or anti-angiogenic therapies. These aims call for suitable technologies to study the countless interactions occurring during neovascularization. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label-free optical technique to study biomolecular interactions in real time. It has become the golden standard technology for interaction analysis in biomedical research, including angiogenesis. From a survey of the literature it emerges that SPR has already contributed substantially to the better understanding of the neovascularization process, laying the basis for the decoding of the angiogenesis "interactome" and the identification of "hub molecules" that may represent preferential targets for an efficacious modulation of angiogenesis. Here, the still unexploited full potential of SPR is enlightened, pointing to improvements in its use for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neovascularization and the identification of novel anti-angiogenic drugs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Olanich ME, Barr FG. A call to ARMS: targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 gene in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:607-23. [PMID: 23432728 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.772136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of fusion oncoproteins generated by recurrent chromosomal translocations represents a major tumorigenic mechanism characteristic of multiple cancers, including one-third of all sarcomas. Oncogenic fusion genes provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention. The PAX3-FOXO1 oncoprotein in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is presented as a paradigm to examine therapeutic strategies for targeting sarcoma-associated fusion genes. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the role of PAX3-FOXO1 in ARMS tumors. Besides evaluating various approaches to molecularly target PAX3-FOXO1 itself, this review highlights therapeutically attractive downstream genes activated by PAX3-FOXO1. EXPERT OPINION Oncogenic fusion proteins represent desirable therapeutic targets because their expression is specific to tumor cells, but these fusions generally characterize rare malignancies. Full development and testing of potential drugs targeted to these fusions are complicated by the small numbers of patients in these disease categories. Although efforts to develop targeted therapies against fusion proteins should continue, molecular targets that are applicable to a broader tumor landscape should be pursued. A shift of the traditional paradigm to view therapeutic intervention as target-specific rather than tumor-specific will help to circumvent the challenges posed by rare tumors and maximize the possibility of developing successful new treatments for patients with these rare translocation-associated sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Olanich
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Pathology , Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Crose LES, Etheridge KT, Chen C, Belyea B, Talbot LJ, Bentley RC, Linardic CM. FGFR4 blockade exerts distinct antitumorigenic effects in human embryonal versus alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:3780-90. [PMID: 22648271 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-3063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignancy with features of skeletal muscle, and the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Survival for high-risk groups is approximately 30% at 5 years and there are no durable therapies tailored to its genetic aberrations. During genetic modeling of the common RMS variants, embryonal RMS (eRMS) and alveolar RMS (aRMS), we noted that the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) was upregulated as an early event in aRMS. Herein, we evaluated the expression of FGFR4 in eRMS compared with aRMS, and whether FGFR4 had similar or distinct roles in their tumorigenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Human RMS cell lines and tumor tissue were analyzed for FGFR4 expression by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Genetic and pharmacologic loss-of-function of FGFR4 using virally transduced short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and the FGFR small-molecule inhibitor PD173074, respectively, were used to study the role of FGFR4 in RMS cell lines in vitro and xenografts in vivo. Expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2L1 was also examined. RESULTS FGFR4 is expressed in both RMS subtypes, but protein expression is higher in aRMS. The signature aRMS gene fusion product, PAX3-FOXO1, induced FGFR4 expression in primary human myoblasts. In eRMS, FGFR4 loss-of-function reduced cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft formation in vivo. In aRMS, it diminished cell survival in vitro. In myoblasts and aRMS, FGFR4 was necessary and sufficient for expression of BCL2L1 whereas in eRMS, this induction was not observed, suggesting differential FGFR4 signaling. CONCLUSION These studies define dichotomous roles for FGFR4 in RMS subtypes, and support further study of FGFR4 as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E S Crose
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen Q, Jiang Y, An Y, Zhao N, Zhao Y, Yu C. Soluble FGFR4 extracellular domain inhibits FGF19-induced activation of FGFR4 signaling and prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 409:651-6. [PMID: 21616061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of hepatic bile acid and lipid metabolism. FGFR4 underlies high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis, suggesting that inhibition of FGFR4 activation may be an effective way to prevent or treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To determine whether neutralization of FGFR4 ligands by soluble FGFR4 extracellular domain (FGFR4-ECD) can inhibit the activation of FGFR4, we constructed FGFR4-ECD expression vector and showed that FGFR4-ECD was effectively expressed in cells and secreted into culture medium. FGFR4-ECD inhibited FGF19-induced activation of FGFR4 signaling and reduced steatosis of HepG2 induced by palmitic acid in vitro. Furthermore, in a tetracycline-induced fatty liver model, expression of FGFR4-ECD in mouse liver reduced the accumulation of hepatic lipids and partially restored the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), which promotes the mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation but is repressed by tetracycline. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FGFR4-ECD can block FGFR4 signaling and prevent hepatic steatosis, highlighting the potential value of inhibition of FGFR4 signaling as a method for therapeutic intervention against NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rusnati M, Bugatti A, Mitola S, Leali D, Bergese P, Depero LE, Presta M. Exploiting Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Technology for the Identification of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) Antagonists Endowed with Antiangiogenic Activity. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2009; 9:6471-503. [PMID: 22454596 PMCID: PMC3312455 DOI: 10.3390/s90806471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, is implicated in various physiological/pathological conditions, including embryonic development, inflammation and tumor growth. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is a heparin-binding angiogenic growth factor involved in various physiopathological processes, including tumor neovascularization. Accordingly, FGF2 is considered a target for antiangiogenic therapies. Thus, numerous natural/synthetic compounds have been tested for their capacity to bind and sequester FGF2 in the extracellular environment preventing its interaction with cellular receptors. We have exploited surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique in search for antiangiogenic FGF2 binders/antagonists. In this review we will summarize our experience in SPR-based angiogenesis research, with the aim to validate SPR as a first line screening for the identification of antiangiogenic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rusnati
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.); (A.B.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.); (A.B.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.); (A.B.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Daria Leali
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.); (A.B.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Paolo Bergese
- Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory and Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (P.B.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura E. Depero
- Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory and Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (P.B.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Marco Presta
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy; E-Mails: (M.R.); (A.B.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
We identified 1113 articles (103 reviews, 1010 primary research articles) published in 2005 that describe experiments performed using commercially available optical biosensors. While this number of publications is impressive, we find that the quality of the biosensor work in these articles is often pretty poor. It is a little disappointing that there appears to be only a small set of researchers who know how to properly perform, analyze, and present biosensor data. To help focus the field, we spotlight work published by 10 research groups that exemplify the quality of data one should expect to see from a biosensor experiment. Also, in an effort to raise awareness of the common problems in the biosensor field, we provide side-by-side examples of good and bad data sets from the 2005 literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Rich
- Center for Biomolecular Interaction Analysis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|