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Hsiao YC, Yang Y, Liu CW, Peng J, Feng J, Zhao H, Teitelbaum T, Lu K. Multiomics to Characterize the Molecular Events Underlying Impaired Glucose Tolerance in FXR-Knockout Mice. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:3332-3341. [PMID: 38967328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00475] [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] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of different metabolic syndromes has grown globally, and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a metabolic homeostat for glucose, lipid, and bile acid metabolisms, may serve an important role in the progression of metabolic disorders. Glucose intolerance by FXR deficiency was previously reported and observed in our study, but the underlying biology remained unclear. To investigate the ambiguity, we collected the nontargeted profiles of the fecal metaproteome, serum metabolome, and liver proteome in Fxr-null (Fxr-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice with LC-HRMS. FXR deficiency showed a global impact on the different molecular levels we monitored, suggesting its serious disruption in the gut microbiota, hepatic metabolism, and circulating biomolecules. The network and enrichment analyses of the dysregulated metabolites and proteins suggested the perturbation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by FXR deficiency. Fxr-/- mice presented lower levels of hepatic proteins involved in glycogenesis. The impairment of glycogenesis by an FXR deficiency may leave glucose to accumulate in the circulation, which may deteriorate glucose tolerance. Lipid metabolism was dysregulated by FXR deficiency in a structural-dependent manner. Fatty acid β-oxidations were alleviated, but cholesterol metabolism was promoted by an FXR deficiency. Together, we explored the molecular events associated with glucose intolerance by impaired FXR with integrated novel multiomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chung Hsiao
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yifei Yang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jingya Peng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jiahao Feng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Haoduo Zhao
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Taylor Teitelbaum
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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2
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Miyata M, Takeda K, Nagira S, Sugiura Y. Trimethylamine N-oxide ameliorates hepatic damage including reduction of hepatic bile acids and cholesterol in Fxr-null mice. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2024; 75:385-395. [PMID: 38690724 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2024.2346765] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
There are conflicting animal experiments on the effect of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), the dietary metabolite, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to determine the effect of TMAO on NAFLD. A diet containing 0.3% TMAO was fed to farnesoid X receptor (Fxr)-null mice, a model of NAFLD, for 13 weeks. Fxr-null mice fed TMAO showed significant reductions in liver damage markers but not wild-type mice. Hepatic bile acid and cholesterol levels were significantly decreased, and triacylglycerol levels tended to decrease in TMAO-fed Fxr-null mice. Changes in mRNA levels of hepatic bile acid and cholesterol transporters and synthetic enzymes were observed, which could explain the decreased hepatic bile acid and cholesterol levels in Fxr-null mice given the TMAO diet but not in the wild-type mice. These results suggest that TMAO intake ameliorates liver damage in Fxr-null mice, further altering bile acid/cholesterol metabolism in an FXR-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Miyata
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, National Fisheries University, Shimonoseki, Japan
| | - Kento Takeda
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, National Fisheries University, Shimonoseki, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nagira
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, National Fisheries University, Shimonoseki, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Sugiura
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, National Fisheries University, Shimonoseki, Japan
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3
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Fleishman JS, Kumar S. Bile acid metabolism and signaling in health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:97. [PMID: 38664391 PMCID: PMC11045871 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01811-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids, once considered mere dietary surfactants, now emerge as critical modulators of macronutrient (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) metabolism and the systemic pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. Bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in protecting against, or if aberrant, inducing cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, strongly influencing health and disease. No curative treatment exists for any bile acid influenced disease, while the most promising and well-developed bile acid therapeutic was recently rejected by the FDA. Here, we provide a bottom-up approach on bile acids, mechanistically explaining their biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at canonical and non-canonical receptors. Using this mechanistic model of bile acids, we explain how abnormal bile acid physiology drives disease pathogenesis, emphasizing how ceramide synthesis may serve as a unifying pathogenic feature for cardiometabolic diseases. We provide an in-depth summary on pre-existing bile acid receptor modulators, explain their shortcomings, and propose solutions for how they may be remedied. Lastly, we rationalize novel targets for further translational drug discovery and provide future perspectives. Rather than dismissing bile acid therapeutics due to recent setbacks, we believe that there is immense clinical potential and a high likelihood for the future success of bile acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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4
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Liu J, Zhang W, Wang Z, Wang Y, Li T, Wang Y, Ding J, Ning B. Cathepsin V is correlated with the prognosis and tumor microenvironment in liver cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:400-416. [PMID: 38051285 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23660] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that high cell cycle activity negatively correlates with antitumor immunity in certain cancer types. However, a similar correlation has not been proven in liver cancer. We downloaded transcriptomic profiles of the cancer genome atlas-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) and assessed the cell cycle distribution of samples using single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), termed the cell cycle score (CCS). We obtained cell cycle-related differentially expressed prognostic genes and identified CENPA, CDC20, and CTSV using LASSO regression. We studied the effect of CTSV on clinical features and immune alterations in liver cancer based on TCGA-LIHC data. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the role of CTSV in liver cancer using liver cancer cell lines and tissues. We found that the CCS closely correlated with the clinical features and prognosis of patients in TCGA-LIHC. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), univariate Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression identified cathepsin V (CTSV) with prognostic significance in LIHC. Importantly, single-gene survival analysis of CTSV using microarray and sequencing data indicated that high levels of CTSV expression correlated with an unfavorable prognosis in various cancers. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that high CTSV expression closely correlated with decreased expression of metabolic genes and increased expression of cell cycle genes. Furthermore, difference and correlation analyses of the relationship between CTSV expression and immune infiltrates, determined using CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms, revealed that CTSV expression correlated with macrophages and CD4+ T cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that knockdown of CTSV inhibited liver cancer cells proliferation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that high CTSV expression correlated with macrophage infiltration in liver cancer tissues, predicted a poor prognosis, and is associated with the effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. In couclusion, CTSV is a novel cell cycle-associated gene with clinical significance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beifang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Li X, Lu W, Kharitonenkov A, Luo Y. Targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 pathway for cholestatic, metabolic, and cancerous diseases. J Intern Med 2024; 295:292-312. [PMID: 38212977 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19, or FGF15 in rodents) plays a central role in controlling bile acid (BA) synthesis through a negative feedback mechanism. This process involves a postprandial crosstalk between the BA-activated ileal farnesoid X receptor and the hepatic Klotho beta (KLB) coreceptor complexed with fibrobalst growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) kinase. Additionally, FGF19 regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism by coordinating responses from functional KLB and FGFR1-3 receptor complexes on the periphery. Pharmacologically, native FGF19 or its analogs decrease elevated BA levels, fat content, and collateral tissue damage. This makes them effective in treating both cholestatic diseases such as primary biliary or sclerosing cholangitis (PBC or PSC) and metabolic abnormalities such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, chronic administration of FGF19 drives oncogenesis in mice by activating the FGFR4-dependent mitogenic or hepatic regenerative pathway, which could be a concern in humans. Agents that block FGF19 or FGFR4 signaling have shown great potency in preventing FGF19-responsive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in animal models. Recent phase 1/2 clinical trials have demonstrated promising results for several FGF19-based agents in selectively treating patients with PBC, PSC, NASH, or HCC. This review aims to provide an update on the clinical development of both analogs and antagonists targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 signaling pathway for patients with cholestatic, metabolic, and cancer diseases. We will also analyze potential safety and mechanistic concerns that should guide future research and advanced trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiqin Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Yongde Luo
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Saha P, Tian Y, Chiang JYL, Patterson AD, Gewirtz AT, Joe B, Vijay-Kumar M. Sex Dimorphic Effects of Bile Acid Metabolism in Liver Cancer in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:719-735. [PMID: 38262588 PMCID: PMC10966305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease, but targeted sex hormone therapies have not been successful. Bile acids are a potential liver carcinogen and are biomolecules with hormone-like effects. A few studies highlight their potential sex dimorphism in physiology and disease. We hypothesized that bile acids could be a potential molecular signature that explains sex disparity in HCC. METHODS & RESULTS We used the farnesoid X receptor knockout (FxrKO) mouse model to study bile acid-dependent HCC. Temporal tracking of circulating bile acids determined more than 80% of FxrKO females developed spontaneous cholemia (ie, serum total bile acids ≥40 μmol/L) as early as 8 weeks old. Opposingly, FxrKO males were highly resistant to cholemia, with ∼23% incidence even when 26 weeks old. However, FxrKO males demonstrated higher levels of deoxycholate than females. Compared with males, FxrKO females had more severe cholestatic liver injury and further aberrancies in bile acid metabolism. Yet, FxrKO females expressed more detoxification transcripts and had greater renal excretion of bile acids. Intervention with CYP7A1 (rate limiting enzyme for bile acid biosynthesis) deficiency or taurine supplementation either completely or partially normalized bile acid levels and liver injury in FxrKO females. Despite higher cholemia prevalence in FxrKO females, their tumor burden was less compared with FxrKO males. An exception to this sex-dimorphic pattern was found in a subset of male and female FxrKO mice born with congenital cholemia due to portosystemic shunt, where both sexes had comparable robust HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights bile acids as sex-dimorphic metabolites in HCC except in the case of portosystemic shunt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Golonka
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Piu Saha
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bina Joe
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
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van Rosmalen BV, Visentin M, Furumaya A, van Delden OM, Kazemier G, van Gulik TM, Verheij J, Stieger B. Association Between Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Organic Anion Transporters, and Farnesoid X Receptor in Benign Focal Liver Lesions. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:118-125. [PMID: 38050024 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The organic anion uptake and efflux transporters [organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP1B3 and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)2 and MRP3] that mediate the transport of the hepatobiliary-specific contrast agent gadoxetate (Gd-EOB-DTPA) are direct or indirect targets of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key regulator of bile acid and lipid homeostasis. In benign liver tumors, FXR expression and activation is not yet characterized. We investigated the expression and activation of FXR and its targets in hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and their correlation with Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI patterns were assessed by an expert radiologist. The intensity of the lesions on the hepatobiliary phase was correlated to mRNA expression levels of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, MRP2, MRP3, FXR, and small heterodimer partner (SHP) in fresh surgical specimens of patients with FNH or HCA subtypes. Normal and tumor sample pairs of 43 HCA and 14 FNH were included. All FNH (14/14) were hyperintense. Of the 34 HCA with available Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, 6 were hyperintense and 28 HCA were hypointense. OATP1B3 was downregulated in the hypointense tumors compared with normal surrounding liver tissue (2.77±3.59 vs. 12.9±15.6, P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation between FXR expression and activation and OATP1B3 expression level was found in the HCA cohort. SHP showed a trend toward downregulation in hypointense HCA. In conclusion, this study suggests that the MRI relative signal in HCA may reflect expression level and/or activity of SHP and FXR. Moreover, our data confirms the pivotal role of OATP1B3 in Gd-EOB-DTPA uptake in HCA. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: FXR represents a valuable target for the treatment of liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Currently, two molecules, ursodeoxycholate and obeticholate, are approved for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis and cholestasis, with several compounds in clinical trials for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Because FXR expression and activation is associated with gadoxetate accumulation in HCA, an atypical gadoxetate-enhanced MRI pattern might arise in patients under FXR-targeted therapy, thereby complicating the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belle V van Rosmalen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Michele Visentin
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Alicia Furumaya
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Otto M van Delden
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Thomas M van Gulik
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
| | - Bruno Stieger
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., T.M.vG.); Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B.V.vR., A.F., O.M.vD., T.M.vG., J.V.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland (M.V., B.S.); Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (O.M.vD.); Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (G.K.); and Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (J.V.)
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8
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Zhang M, Xiao B, Chen X, Ou B, Wang S. Physical exercise plays a role in rebalancing the bile acids of enterohepatic axis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14065. [PMID: 38037846 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14065] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as one of the most common diseases of lipid metabolism disorders, which is closely related to bile acids disorders and gut microbiota disorders. Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, and processed by gut microbiota in intestinal tract, and participate in metabolic regulation through the enterohepatic circulation. Bile acids not only promote the consumption and absorption of intestinal fat but also play an important role in biological metabolic signaling network, affecting fat metabolism and glucose metabolism. Studies have demonstrated that exercise plays an important role in regulating the composition and function of bile acid pool in enterohepatic axis, which maintains the homeostasis of the enterohepatic circulation and the health of the host gut microbiota. Exercise has been recommended by several health guidelines as the first-line intervention for patients with NAFLD. Can exercise alter bile acids through the microbiota in the enterohepatic axis? If so, regulating bile acids through exercise may be a promising treatment strategy for NAFLD. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this potential connection are largely unknown. Therefore, in this review, we tried to review the relationship among NAFLD, physical exercise, bile acids, and gut microbiota through the existing data and literature, highlighting the role of physical exercise in rebalancing bile acid and microbial dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Zhang
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biyang Xiao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Xiaoqi Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Bingming Ou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songtao Wang
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Nenkov M, Shi Y, Ma Y, Gaßler N, Chen Y. Targeting Farnesoid X Receptor in Tumor and the Tumor Microenvironment: Implication for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:6. [PMID: 38203175 PMCID: PMC10778939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010006] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid-X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, can be activated by bile acids (BAs). BAs binding to FXR activates BA signaling which is important for maintaining BA homeostasis. FXR is differentially expressed in human organs and exists in immune cells. The dysregulation of FXR is associated with a wide range of diseases including metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, immune disorders, and malignant neoplasm. Recent studies have demonstrated that FXR influences tumor cell progression and development through regulating oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways, and, moreover, it affects the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating TME components. These characteristics provide a new perspective on the FXR-targeted therapeutic strategy in cancer. In this review, we have summarized the recent research data on the functions of FXR in solid tumors and its influence on the TME, and discussed the mechanisms underlying the distinct function of FXR in various types of tumors. Additionally, the impacts on the TME by other BA receptors such as takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), and muscarinic receptors (CHRM2 and CHRM3), have been depicted. Finally, the effects of FXR agonists/antagonists in a combination therapy with PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors and other anti-cancer drugs have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miljana Nenkov
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Yihui Shi
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, Sutter Bay Hospitals, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA;
| | - Yunxia Ma
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Nikolaus Gaßler
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- Section Pathology of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany; (M.N.); (Y.M.); (N.G.)
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10
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Gilbert MC, Setayesh T, Wan YJY. The contributions of bacteria metabolites to the development of hepatic encephalopathy. LIVER RESEARCH 2023; 7:296-303. [PMID: 38221945 PMCID: PMC10786625 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over 20% of mortality during acute liver failure is associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Thus, HE is a complication of acute liver failure with a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities ranging from subclinical alterations to coma. HE is caused by the diversion of portal blood into systemic circulation through portosystemic collateral vessels. Thus, the brain is exposed to intestinal-derived toxic substances. Moreover, the strategies to prevent advancement and improve the prognosis of such a liver-brain disease rely on intestinal microbial modulation. This is supported by the findings that antibiotics such as rifaximin and laxative lactulose can alleviate hepatic cirrhosis and/or prevent HE. Together, the significance of the gut-liver-brain axis in human health warrants attention. This review paper focuses on the roles of bacteria metabolites, mainly ammonia and bile acids (BAs) as well as BA receptors in HE. The literature search conducted for this review included searches for phrases such as BA receptors, BAs, ammonia, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1 or TGR5), sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), and cirrhosis in conjunction with the phrase hepatic encephalopathy and portosystemic encephalopathy. PubMed, as well as Google Scholar, was the search engines used to find relevant publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Claire Gilbert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tahereh Setayesh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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11
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Iwaki M, Kessoku T, Tanaka K, Ozaki A, Kasai Y, Kobayashi T, Nogami A, Honda Y, Ogawa Y, Imajo K, Usuda H, Wada K, Kobayashi N, Saito S, Nakajima A, Yoneda M. Combined, elobixibat, and colestyramine reduced cholesterol toxicity in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0285. [PMID: 37902528 PMCID: PMC10617934 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000285] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholesterol levels and bile acid metabolism are important drivers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression. Using a mouse model, we investigated the mechanism by which cholesterol exacerbates MASH and the effect of colestyramine (a bile acid adsorption resin) and elobixibat (an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor) concomitant administration on bile acid adsorption and MASH status. METHODS Mice were fed a high-fat high-fructose diet with varying concentrations of cholesterol to determine changes in fatty liver according to liver status, water intake, defecation status, insulin resistance, bile acid levels, intestinal permeability, atherosclerosis (in apolipoprotein E knockout mice), and carcinogenesis (in diethylnitrosamine mice). Using small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), we evaluated the effect of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) knockdown on triglyceride synthesis and fatty liver status following the administration of elobixibat (group E), colestyramine (group C), or both (group EC). RESULTS We found greater reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase levels, serum lipid parameters, serum primary bile acid concentrations, hepatic lipid levels, and fibrosis area in EC group than in the monotherapy groups. Increased intestinal permeability and watery diarrhea caused by elobixibat were completely ameliorated in group EC. Group EC showed reduced plaque formation rates in the entire aorta and aortic valve of the atherosclerosis model, and reduced tumor counts and tumor burden in the carcinogenesis model. CONCLUSIONS Excessive free cholesterol in the liver can promote fatty liver disease. Herein, combination therapy with EC effectively reduced free cholesterol levels in MASH model mice. Our study provides strong evidence for combination therapy as an effective treatment for MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takaomi Kessoku
- Department of Palliative Medicine, International University Health and Welfare, Narita Hospital, Narita, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Anna Ozaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuki Kasai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Asako Nogami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Honda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asakura Hospital, Konan-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuji Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinyurigaoka General Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Haruki Usuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Pharmacology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Oncology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoru Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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12
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Zhao Z, Yang LL, Wang QL, Du JF, Zheng ZG, Jiang Y, Li P, Li HJ. Baohuoside I inhibits FXR signaling pathway to interfere with bile acid homeostasis via targeting ER α degradation. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:1215-1235. [PMID: 35802278 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09737-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epimedii folium (EF) is an effective herbal medicine in osteoporosis treatment, but the clinical utilization of EF has been limited due to potential hepatotoxicity. The previous studies identified that baohuoside I (BI), the main active component of EF, was relevant to EF-induced liver injury. However, the mechanisms of BI causing direct injury to hepatocytes remain unclear. Here, we reveal that BI inhibits FXR-mediated signaling pathway via targeting estrogen receptor α (ER α), leading to the accumulation of bile acids (BAs). Targeted bile acid analyses show BI alters the BA composition and distribution, resulting in impaired BA homeostasis. Mechanistically, BI induces FXR-dependent hepatotoxicity at transcriptional level. Additionally, ER α is predicted to bind to the FXR promoter region based on transcription factor binding sites databases and we further demonstrate that ER α positively regulates FXR promoter activity and affects the expression of target genes involved in BA metabolism. Importantly, we discover that ER α and its mediated FXR transcription regulation might be involved in BI-induced liver injury via ligand-dependent ER α degradation. Collectively, our findings indicate that FXR is a newly discovered target gene of ER α mediated BI-induced liver injury, and suggest BI may be responsible for EF-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lu-Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qiao-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jin-Fa Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zu-Guo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hui-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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13
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Meadows V, Yang Z, Basaly V, Guo GL. FXR Friend-ChIPs in the Enterohepatic System. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:267-278. [PMID: 37442156 PMCID: PMC10620036 DOI: 10.1055/a-2128-5538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases encompass a wide spectrum of hepatic maladies that often result in cholestasis or altered bile acid secretion and regulation. Incidence and cost of care for many chronic liver diseases are rising in the United States with few Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs available for patient treatment. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the master regulator of bile acid homeostasis with an important role in lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation. FXR has served as an attractive target for management of cholestasis and fibrosis; however, global FXR agonism results in adverse effects in liver disease patients, severely affecting quality of life. In this review, we highlight seminal studies and recent updates on the FXR proteome and identify gaps in knowledge that are essential for tissue-specific FXR modulation. In conclusion, one of the greatest unmet needs in the field is understanding the underlying mechanism of intestinal versus hepatic FXR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Zhenning Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Veronia Basaly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, New Jersey
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14
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Yang G, Liu R, Rezaei S, Liu X, Wan YJY. Uncovering the Gut-Liver Axis Biomarkers for Predicting Metabolic Burden in Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3406. [PMID: 37571345 PMCID: PMC10421148 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Western diet (WD) intake, aging, and inactivation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) are risk factors for metabolic and chronic inflammation-related health issues ranging from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to dementia. The progression of MASLD can be escalated when those risks are combined. Inactivation of FXR, the receptor for bile acid (BA), is cancer prone in both humans and mice. The current study used multi-omics including hepatic transcripts, liver, serum, and urine metabolites, hepatic BAs, as well as gut microbiota from mouse models to classify those risks using machine learning. A linear support vector machine with K-fold cross-validation was used for classification and feature selection. We have identified that increased urine sucrose alone achieved 91% accuracy in predicting WD intake. Hepatic lithocholic acid and serum pyruvate had 100% and 95% accuracy, respectively, to classify age. Urine metabolites (decreased creatinine and taurine as well as increased succinate) or increased gut bacteria (Dorea, Dehalobacterium, and Oscillospira) could predict FXR deactivation with greater than 90% accuracy. Human disease relevance is partly revealed using the metabolite-disease interaction network. Transcriptomics data were also compared with the human liver disease datasets. WD-reduced hepatic Cyp39a1 (cytochrome P450 family 39 subfamily a member 1) and increased Gramd1b (GRAM domain containing 1B) were also changed in human liver cancer and metabolic liver disease, respectively. Together, our data contribute to the identification of noninvasive biomarkers within the gut-liver axis to predict metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyan Yang
- Department of Medical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine in Sacramento, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Rex Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.L.); (S.R.); (X.L.)
| | - Shahbaz Rezaei
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.L.); (S.R.); (X.L.)
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (R.L.); (S.R.); (X.L.)
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Medical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine in Sacramento, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA;
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15
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Yu D, Lu Z, Wang R, Xiang Y, Li H, Lu J, Zhang L, Chen H, Li W, Luan X, Chen L. FXR agonists for colorectal and liver cancers, as a stand-alone or in combination therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115570. [PMID: 37119860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is generally considered as a tumor suppressor of colorectal and liver cancers. The interaction between FXR, bile acids (BAs) and gut microbiota is closely associated with an increased risk of colorectal and liver cancers. Increasing evidence shows that FXR agonists may be potential therapeutic agents for colorectal and liver cancers. However, FXR agonists alone do not produce the desired results due to the complicated pathogenesis and single therapeutic mechanism, which suggests that effective treatments will require a multimodal approach. Based on the principle of improvingefficacy andreducingside effects, combination therapy is currently receiving considerable attention. In this review, colorectal and liver cancers are grouped together to discuss the effects of FXR agonists alone or in combination for combating the two cancers. We hope that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of novel FXR agonists or combination with FXR agonists against colorectal and liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danmei Yu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhou Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ruyu Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yusen Xiang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiani Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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16
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Foglia B, Beltrà M, Sutti S, Cannito S. Metabolic Reprogramming of HCC: A New Microenvironment for Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087463. [PMID: 37108625 PMCID: PMC10138633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer, ranking third among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and whose incidence varies according to geographical area and ethnicity. Metabolic rewiring was recently introduced as an emerging hallmark able to affect tumor progression by modulating cancer cell behavior and immune responses. This review focuses on the recent studies examining HCC's metabolic traits, with particular reference to the alterations of glucose, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, the three major metabolic changes that have gained attention in the field of HCC. After delivering a panoramic picture of the peculiar immune landscape of HCC, this review will also discuss how the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells can affect, directly or indirectly, the microenvironment and the function of the different immune cell populations, eventually favoring the tumor escape from immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Foglia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Marc Beltrà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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17
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Wu X, Ni Z, Song T, Lv W, Chen Y, Huang D, Xie Y, Huang W, Niu Y. C-Terminal Truncated HBx Facilitates Oncogenesis by Modulating Cell Cycle and Glucose Metabolism in FXR-Deficient Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065174. [PMID: 36982249 PMCID: PMC10048952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065174] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor known to play protective roles in anti-hepatocarcinogenesis and regulation of the basal metabolism of glucose, lipids, and bile acids. FXR expression is low or absent in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Full-length HBx and HBx C-terminal truncation are frequently found in clinical HCC samples and play distinct roles in hepatocarcinogenesis by interacting with FXR or FXR signaling. However, the impact of C-terminal truncated HBx on the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis in the absence of FXR is unclear. In this study, we found that one known FXR binding protein, a C-terminal truncated X protein (HBx C40) enhanced obviously and promoted tumor cell proliferation and migration by altering cell cycle distribution and inducing apoptosis in the absence of FXR. HBx C40 enhanced the growth of FXR-deficient tumors in vivo. In addition, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that HBx C40 overexpression could affect energy metabolism. Overexpressed HSPB8 aggravated the metabolic reprogramming induced by down-regulating glucose metabolism-associated hexokinase 2 genes in HBx C40-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Overall, our study suggests that C-terminal truncated HBx C40 synergizes with FXR deficiency by altering cell cycle distribution as well as disturbing glucose metabolism to promote HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zhengzhong Ni
- School of Public Health, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Tiantian Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wenya Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Danmei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yangmin Xie
- Department of Experimental Animal Center, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Weiyi Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yongdong Niu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-0754-88900432
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18
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Cramer T. Impact of dietary carbohydrate restriction on the pathobiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The gut-liver axis and beyond. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101736. [PMID: 36857893 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of fiercely competitive research and colossal financial investments, the majority of patients with advanced solid cancers cannot be treated with curative intent. To improve this situation, conceptually novel treatment approaches are urgently needed. Cancer is increasingly appreciated as a systemic disease and numerous organismal factors are functionally linked to neoplastic growth, e.g. systemic metabolic dysregulation, chronic inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis and disrupted circadian rhythms. It is tempting to hypothesize that interventions targeting these processes could be of significant account for cancer patients. One important driver of tumor-supporting systemic derangements is inordinate consumption of simple and highly processed carbohydrates. This dietary pattern is causally linked to hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis, begging the pertinent question whether the adoption of dietary carbohydrate restriction can be beneficial for patients with cancer. This review summarizes the published data on the role of dietary carbohydrate restriction in the pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer. In addition to outlining the functional interplay between diet, the intestinal microbiome and immunity, the review underscores the importance of bile acids as interconnectors between the intestinal microbiota and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Cramer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM - School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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19
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Yang G, Jena PK, Hu Y, Sheng L, Chen SY, Slupsky CM, Davis R, Tepper CG, Wan YJY. The essential roles of FXR in diet and age influenced metabolic changes and liver disease development: a multi-omics study. Biomark Res 2023; 11:20. [PMID: 36803569 PMCID: PMC9938992 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00458-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging and diet are risks for metabolic diseases. Bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout (KO) mice develop metabolic liver diseases that progress into cancer as they age, which is accelerated by Western diet (WD) intake. The current study uncovers the molecular signatures for diet and age-linked metabolic liver disease development in an FXR-dependent manner. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and FXR KO male mice, either on a healthy control diet (CD) or a WD, were euthanized at the ages of 5, 10, or 15 months. Hepatic transcriptomics, liver, serum, and urine metabolomics as well as microbiota were profiled. RESULTS WD intake facilitated hepatic aging in WT mice. In an FXR-dependent manner, increased inflammation and reduced oxidative phosphorylation were the primary pathways affected by WD and aging. FXR has a role in modulating inflammation and B cell-mediated humoral immunity which was enhanced by aging. Moreover, FXR dictated neuron differentiation, muscle contraction, and cytoskeleton organization in addition to metabolism. There were 654 transcripts commonly altered by diets, ages, and FXR KO, and 76 of them were differentially expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and healthy livers. Urine metabolites differentiated dietary effects in both genotypes, and serum metabolites clearly separated ages irrespective of diets. Aging and FXR KO commonly affected amino acid metabolism and TCA cycle. Moreover, FXR is essential for colonization of age-related gut microbes. Integrated analyses uncovered metabolites and bacteria linked with hepatic transcripts affected by WD intake, aging, and FXR KO as well as related to HCC patient survival. CONCLUSION FXR is a target to prevent diet or age-associated metabolic disease. The uncovered metabolites and microbes can be diagnostic markers for metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyan Yang
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Prasant K. Jena
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Ying Hu
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Lili Sheng
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Shin-Yu Chen
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Carolyn M. Slupsky
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Ryan Davis
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Clifford G. Tepper
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Health. Room 3400B, Research Building III, 4645 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Qi L, Chen Y. Circulating Bile Acids as Biomarkers for Disease Diagnosis and Prevention. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:251-270. [PMID: 36374935 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac659] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Bile acids (BAs) are pivotal signaling molecules that regulate energy metabolism and inflammation. Recent epidemiological studies have reported specific alterations in circulating BA profiles in certain disease states, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and Alzheimer disease (AD). In the past decade, breakthroughs have been made regarding the translation of BA profiling into clinical use for disease prediction. In this review, we summarize and synthesize recent data on variation in circulating BA profiles in patients with various diseases to evaluate the value of these biomarkers in human plasma for early diagnosis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This review is based on a collection of primary and review literature gathered from a PubMed search for BAs, obesity, T2DM, insulin resistance (IR), NAFLD, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), colon cancer, and AD, among other keywords. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Individuals with obesity, T2DM, HCC, CCA, or AD showed specific alterations in circulating BA profiles. These alterations may have existed long before the initial diagnosis of these diseases. The intricate relationship between obesity, IR, and NAFLD complicates the establishment of clear and independent associations between BA profiles and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Alterations in the levels of total BAs and several BA species were seen across the entire spectrum of NAFLD, demonstrating significant increases with the worsening of histological features. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant circulating BA profiles are an early event in the onset and progression of obesity, T2DM, HCC, and AD. The pleiotropic effects of BAs explain these broad connections. Circulating BA profiles could provide a basis for the development of biomarkers for the diagnosis and prevention of a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
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21
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The altered lipidome of hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:445-456. [PMID: 35131480 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in metabolic pathways are a hallmark of cancer. A deeper understanding of the contribution of different metabolites to carcinogenesis is thus vitally important to elucidate mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression to inform therapeutic strategies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and its altered metabolic landscape is beginning to unfold with the advancement of technologies. In particular, characterization of the lipidome of human HCCs has accelerated, and together with biochemical analyses, are revealing recurrent patterns of alterations in glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. These widespread alterations encompass a myriad of lipid species with numerous roles affecting multiple hallmarks of cancer, including aberrant growth signaling, metastasis, evasion of cell death and immunosuppression. In this review, we summarize the current trends and findings of the altered lipidomic landscape of HCC and discuss their potential biological significance for hepatocarcinogenesis.
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22
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Colosimo S, Tomlinson JW. Bile acids as drivers and biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1730-1738. [PMID: 36185719 PMCID: PMC9521453 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i9.1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rapidly increasing, driven not least in part by the escalating prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bile acid (BA) profiles are altered in patients with HCC and there is a developing body of evidence from in vitro human cellular models as well as rodent data suggesting that BA are able to modulate fundamental processes that impact on cellular phenotype predisposing to the development of HCC including senescence, proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Changes in BA profiles associated with HCC have the potential to be exploited clinically. Whilst excellent diagnostic and imaging tools are available, their use to screen populations with advanced liver disease at risk of HCC is limited by high cost and low availability. The mainstay for HCC screening among subjects with cirrhosis remains frequent interval ultrasound scanning. Importantly, currently available serum biomarkers add little to diagnostic accuracy. Here, we review the current literature on the use of BA measurements as predictors of HCC incidence in addition to their use as a potential screening method for the early detection of HCC. Whilst these approaches do show early promise, there are limitations including the relatively small cohort sizes, the lack of a standardized approach to BA measurement, and the use of inappropriate control comparator samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santo Colosimo
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
- School of Nutrition Science, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
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23
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Liu X, Khalafalla M, Chung C, Gindin Y, Hubchak S, LeCuyer B, Kriegermeier A, Zhang D, Qiu W, Ding X, Fang D, Green R. Hepatic Deletion of X-box Binding Protein 1 in Farnesoid X Receptor Null Mice Leads to Enhanced Liver Injury. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100289. [PMID: 36162519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates bile acid metabolism, and FXR null (Fxr-/-) mice have elevated bile acid levels and progressive liver injury. The inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) pathway is a protective unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway activated in response to ER stress. Here, we sought to determine the role of the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway in hepatic bile acid toxicity using the Fxr-/- mouse model. Western blotting and qPCR analysis demonstrated that hepatic XBP1 and other UPR pathways were activated in 24-week-old Fxr-/- compared to 10-week-old Fxr-/- mice, but not in WT mice. To further determine the role of the liver XBP1 activation in older Fxr-/- mice, we generated mice with whole-body FXR and liver-specific XBP1 double knockout (DKO, Fxr-/-Xbp1LKO) and Fxr-/-Xbp1fl/fl single knockout (SKO) mice and characterized the role of hepatic XBP1 in cholestatic liver injury. Histologic staining demonstrated increased liver injury and fibrosis in DKO compared to SKO mice. RNA-seq revealed increased gene expression in apoptosis, inflammation, and cell proliferation pathways in DKO mice. The proapoptotic C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) pathway and cell cycle marker Cyclin D1 were also activated in DKO mice. Furthermore, we found total hepatic bile acid levels were similar between the two genotypes. At age 60 weeks, all DKO mice and no SKO mice spontaneously developed liver tumors. In conclusion, the hepatic XBP1 pathway is activated in older Fxr-/- mice and has a protective role. The potential interaction between XBP1 and FXR signaling may be important in modulating the hepatocellular cholestatic stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US.
| | - Mahmoud Khalafalla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
| | | | | | - Susan Hubchak
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Brian LeCuyer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Alyssa Kriegermeier
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Hepatology and Nutrition at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Danny Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery & Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, US
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Stritch Medicine school of Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, US
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Richard Green
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, US
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24
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Hao S, Meng Q, Sun H, Li Y, Li Y, Gu L, Liu B, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Xu Z, Wang Y. The role of transketolase in human cancer progression and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113607. [PMID: 36030587 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transketolase (TKT) is an enzyme that is ubiquitously expressed in all living organisms and has been identified as an important regulator of cancer. Recent studies have shown that the TKT family includes the TKT gene and two TKT-like (TKTL) genes; TKTL1 and TKTL2. TKT and TKTL1 have been reported to be involved in the regulation of multiple cancer-related events, such as cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and patient survival and prognosis. Therefore, TKT may be an ideal target for cancer treatment. More importantly, the levels of TKTL1 were detected using EDIM technology for the early detection of some malignancies, and TKTL1 was more sensitive and specific than traditional tumor markers. Detecting TKTL1 levels before and after surgery could be used to evaluate the surgery's effect. While targeted TKT suppresses cancer in multiple ways, in some cases, it has detrimental effects on the organism. In this review, we discuss the role of TKT in different tumors and the detailed mechanisms while evaluating its value and limitations in clinical applications. Therefore, this review provides a basis for the clinical application of targeted therapy for TKT in the future, and a strategy for subsequent cancer-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Qingfei Meng
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yunkuo Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yao Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Liting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yanghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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25
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Zhang B, Li J, Zong X, Wang J, Xin L, Song H, Zhang W, Koda S, Hua H, Zhang B, Yu Q, Zheng KY, Yan C. FXR deficiency in hepatocytes disrupts the bile acid homeostasis and inhibits autophagy to promote liver injury in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010651. [PMID: 35930537 PMCID: PMC9355238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, with 250 million people affected, is characterized by its serious hepatic inflammatory response and fibrosis formation, which could lead to dangerous complications, such as portal hypertension, splenomegaly and even ascites. But until now, the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis remains largely unknown. Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), a bile acid-activated nuclear transcription factor mainly expresses in hepatocytes in the liver, can regulate liver diseases by controlling bile acid metabolism. Methodology/Principal findings In this study, we found that the expression of FXR was decreased in the liver of infected mice as shown by western blot and RT-qPCR assays. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific FXR-deficient mice (FXRflox/floxAlbCre, FXR-HKO) were generated and infected with ~16 cercariae of S. japonicum for five weeks. We found that FXR deficiency in hepatocytes promoted the progression of liver injury, aggravated weight loss and death caused by infection, and promoted inflammatory cytokines production, such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. Surprisingly, hepatic granulomas and fibrosis were not affected. In addition, using UPLC-MS/MS spectrometry, it was found that S. japonicum infection resulted in elevated bile acids in the liver of mice, which was more obvious in FXR-deficient mice. Meanwhile, autophagy was induced in littermate control mice due to the infection, but it was significantly decreased in FXR-HKO mice. Conclusions/Significance All these findings suggest that FXR deficiency in hepatocytes disrupts bile acid homeostasis and inhibits autophagy, which may aggravate the damages of hepatocytes caused by S. japonicum infection. It highlights that FXR in hepatocytes plays a regulatory role in the progression of schistosomiasis. The liver, a critical metabolic organ, consists of approximately 80% parenchymal hepatocytes. Hepatic schistosomiasis results in inflammatory granulomas response and fibrosis formation that inevitably affects hepatocytes. However, whether and how hepatocytes involved in the progression of liver injury caused by S. japonicum is not clear. Here, we found that, the level of FXR, a key regulator of bile acid metabolism in hepatocytes, was clearly decreased in the liver of mice with this worm infection. Further, we found that FXR specifically deficient in hepatocytes increased bile acids toxicity and inhibited hepatocellular autophagy induced by worm infection, which therefore accelerated the progression of schistosomiasis by promoting hepatocyte injuries but not the formation of egg granulomas and hepatic fibrosis. Our work provides a regulatory loop of FXR/bile acids-autophagy in schistosomiasis, which suggests a role of hepatic FXR in the protection from hepatic damages caused by infection with S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianlong Zong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianlian Xin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyao Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxue Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Stephane Koda
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (KYZ); (CY)
| | - Chao Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (KYZ); (CY)
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26
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Panzitt K, Zollner G, Marschall HU, Wagner M. Recent advances on FXR-targeting therapeutics. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 552:111678. [PMID: 35605722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The bile acid receptor FXR has emerged as a bona fide drug target for chronic cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases, ahead of all non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FXR is highly expressed in the liver and intestine and activation at both sites differentially contributes to its desired metabolic effects. Unrestricted FXR activation, however, also comes along with undesired effects such as a pro-atherogenic lipid profile, pruritus and hepatocellular toxicity under certain conditions. Several pre-clinical studies have confirmed the potency of FXR activation for cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases, but overall it remains still open whether selective activation of intestinal FXR is advantageous over pan-FXR activation and whether restricted or modulated FXR activation can limit some of the side effects. Even more, FXR antagonist also bear the potential as intestinal-selective drugs in NAFLD models. In this review we will discuss the molecular prerequisites for FXR activation, pan-FXR activation and intestinal FXR in/activation from a therapeutic point of view, different steroidal and non-steroidal FXR agonists, ways to restrict FXR activation and finally what we have learned from pre-clinical models and clinical trials with different FXR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Panzitt
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Zollner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Wagner
- Research Unit for Translational Nuclear Receptor Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
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27
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Vitale G, Mattiaccio A, Conti A, Turco L, Seri M, Piscaglia F, Morelli MC. Genetics in Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis: Clinical Patterns and Development of Liver and Biliary Cancers: A Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143421. [PMID: 35884482 PMCID: PMC9322180 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of inherited intrahepatic cholestasis includes autosomal recessive cholestatic rare diseases of childhood involved in bile acids secretion or bile transport defects. Specific genetic pathways potentially cause many otherwise unexplained cholestasis or hepatobiliary tumours in a healthy liver. Lately, next-generation sequencing and whole-exome sequencing have improved the diagnostic procedures of familial intrahepatic cholestasis (FIC), as well as the discovery of several genes responsible for FIC. Moreover, mutations in these genes, even in the heterozygous status, may be responsible for cryptogenic cholestasis in both young and adults. Mutations in FIC genes can influence serum and hepatic levels of bile acids. Experimental studies on the NR1H4 gene have shown that high bile acids concentrations cause excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, resistance to apoptosis, and increased cell regeneration, all risk conditions for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). NR1H4 gene encodes farnesoid X-activated receptor having a pivotal role in bile salts synthesis. Moreover, HCC and CCA can emerge in patients with several FIC genes such as ABCB11, ABCB4 and TJP2. Herein, we reviewed the available data on FIC-related hepatobiliary cancers, reporting on genetics to the pathophysiology, the risk factors and the clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.T.); (M.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Mattiaccio
- U.O. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Amalia Conti
- U.O. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Laura Turco
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.T.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Marco Seri
- U.O. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Morelli
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.T.); (M.C.M.)
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28
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Wang L, Cao ZM, Zhang LL, Li JM, Lv WL. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Some Liver Diseases: From an Immunological Perspective. Front Immunol 2022; 13:923599. [PMID: 35911738 PMCID: PMC9326173 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota is a microecosystem composed of various microorganisms. It plays an important role in human metabolism, and its metabolites affect different tissues and organs. Intestinal flora maintains the intestinal mucosal barrier and interacts with the immune system. The liver is closely linked to the intestine by the gut-liver axis. As the first organ that comes into contact with blood from the intestine, the liver will be deeply influenced by the gut microbiota and its metabolites, and the intestinal leakage and the imbalance of the flora are the trigger of the pathological reaction of the liver. In this paper, we discuss the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune liver diseases((including autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis), metabolic liver disease such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosisits and its complications, and liver cancer from the perspective of immune mechanism. And the recent progress in the treatment of these diseases was reviewed from the perspective of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- *Correspondence: Li Wang, ; Zheng-Min Cao, ; Juan-mei Li, ; Wen-liang Lv,
| | - Zheng-Min Cao
- *Correspondence: Li Wang, ; Zheng-Min Cao, ; Juan-mei Li, ; Wen-liang Lv,
| | | | - Juan-mei Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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Role of bile acids and their receptors in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathophysiology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:432-450. [PMID: 35165436 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) can regulate their own metabolism and transport as well as other key aspects of metabolic homeostasis via dedicated (nuclear and G protein-coupled) receptors. Disrupted BA transport and homeostasis results in the development of cholestatic disorders and contributes to a wide range of liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, impaired BA homeostasis can also affect the intestine, contributing to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal and oesophageal cancer. Here, we provide a summary of the role of BAs and their disrupted homeostasis in the development of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders and present novel insights on how targeting BA pathways might contribute to novel treatment strategies for these disorders.
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Bertolini A, Fiorotto R, Strazzabosco M. Bile acids and their receptors: modulators and therapeutic targets in liver inflammation. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:547-564. [PMID: 35415765 PMCID: PMC9256560 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00935-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bile acids participate in the intestinal emulsion, digestion, and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. When present in high concentrations, as in cholestatic liver diseases, bile acids can damage cells and cause inflammation. After the discovery of bile acids receptors about two decades ago, bile acids are considered signaling molecules. Besides regulating bile acid, xenobiotic, and nutrient metabolism, bile acids and their receptors have shown immunomodulatory properties and have been proposed as therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases of the liver. This review focuses on bile acid-related signaling pathways that affect inflammation in the liver and provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical applications of modulators of these pathways for the treatment of cholestatic and autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bertolini
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208019, New Haven, CT, 06520-8019, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Romina Fiorotto
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208019, New Haven, CT, 06520-8019, USA
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208019, New Haven, CT, 06520-8019, USA.
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31
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Cariello M, Zerlotin R, Pasculli E, Piccinin E, Peres C, Porru E, Roda A, Gadaleta RM, Moschetta A. Intestinal FXR Activation via Transgenic Chimera or Chemical Agonism Prevents Colitis-Associated and Genetically-Induced Colon Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133081. [PMID: 35804854 PMCID: PMC9265121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Disruption of Bile Acids (BA) regulation with increased BA concentration and modulation or their detergent pro-inflammatory activity has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is the master regulator of BA homeostasis; FXR is a nuclear receptor that transcriptionally modulates their synthesis, transport and metabolism. In this study, we demonstrated that intestinal FXR activation prevented both inflammation- and genetically-driven colorectal tumorigenesis by modulating BA pool size and composition. This could open new avenues for the therapeutic management of intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis. Abstract The Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is the master regulator of Bile Acids (BA) homeostasis orchestrating their synthesis, transport and metabolism. Disruption of BA regulation has been linked to gut-liver axis diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, firstly we examined the role of constitutive activation of intestinal FXR in CRC; then we pre-clinically investigated the therapeutic potential of a diet enriched with a synthetic FXR agonist in two models of CRC (chemically-induced and genetic models). We demonstrated that mice with intestinal constitutive FXR activation are protected from AOM/DSS-induced CRC with a significant reduction of tumor number compared to controls. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of chemical FXR agonism in a DSS model of colitis in wild type (WT) and FXRnull mice. WT mice administered with the FXR activating diet showed less morphological alterations and decreased inflammatory infiltrates compared to controls. The FXR activating diet also protected WT mice from AOM/DSS-induced CRC by reducing tumors’ number and size. Finally, we proved that the FXR activating diet prevented spontaneous CRC in APCMin/+ mice via an FXR-dependent modulation of BA homeostasis. Our results demonstrate that intestinal FXR activation prevented both inflammation- and genetically-driven colorectal tumorigenesis by modulating BA pool size and composition. This could open new avenues for the therapeutic management of intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Cariello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Roberta Zerlotin
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Emanuela Pasculli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Elena Piccinin
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Claudia Peres
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Emanuele Porru
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (A.R.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Aldo Roda
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (A.R.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaella Maria Gadaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +39-3515833893 (R.M.G.); +39-0805593262 (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (R.Z.); (E.P.); (C.P.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +39-3515833893 (R.M.G.); +39-0805593262 (A.M.)
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32
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Zhou JX, Li CN, Liu YM, Lin SQ, Wang Y, Xie C, Nan FJ. Discovery of 9,11-Seco-Cholesterol Derivatives as Novel FXR Antagonists. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:17401-17405. [PMID: 35647433 PMCID: PMC9134407 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays an important role in the regulation of bile acid, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. Recent findings have shown that the inhibition of FXR is beneficial to improvement of related metabolic diseases and cholestasis. In the present work, 9,11-seco-cholesterol derivatives were designed and synthesized by cleaving the C ring of cholesterol and were identified as novel structures of FXR antagonists. Compound 9a displayed the best FXR antagonistic activity at the cellular level (IC50 = 4.6 μM) and decreased the expression of the target genes of FXR in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xu Zhou
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cui-Na Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ya-Meng Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Su-Qin Lin
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Ying Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cen Xie
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fa-Jun Nan
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
- Drug
Discovery Shandong Laboratory, Bohai Rim
Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, People’s Republic of China
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Russell JO, Camargo FD. Hippo signalling in the liver: role in development, regeneration and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:297-312. [PMID: 35064256 PMCID: PMC9199961 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00571-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway has emerged as a major player in many aspects of liver biology, such as development, cell fate determination, homeostatic function and regeneration from injury. The regulation of Hippo signalling is complex, with activation of the pathway by diverse upstream inputs including signals from cellular adhesion, mechanotransduction and crosstalk with other signalling pathways. Pathological activation of the downstream transcriptional co-activators yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ, encoded by WWTR1), which are negatively regulated by Hippo signalling, has been implicated in multiple aspects of chronic liver disease, such as the development of liver fibrosis and tumorigenesis. Thus, development of pharmacological inhibitors of YAP-TAZ signalling has been an area of great interest. In this Review, we summarize the diverse roles of Hippo signalling in liver biology and highlight areas where outstanding questions remain to be investigated. Greater understanding of the mechanisms of Hippo signalling in liver function should help facilitate the development of novel therapies for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fernando D Camargo
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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34
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Huang X, Wang B, Shen H, Huang D, Shi G. Farnesoid X receptor functions in cervical cancer via the p14 ARF-mouse double minute 2-p53 pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:3617-3625. [PMID: 35347542 PMCID: PMC9174312 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women living in developing countries. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor family, which regulates the development and proliferation of cancer. However, the role of and molecular mechanism by which FXR acts in cervical cancer are still unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS The relationship between FXR and the proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines was detected by MTT and colony formation assays. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of FXR in cervical cancer tissue slides. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of p14ARF, mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) and p53 when FXR was overexpressed or siRNA was applied. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of MDM2 and p53 when pifithrin-α (PFT-α) was applied. FXR activation inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines. FXR was significantly decreased in cervical squamous cell carcinoma, which was correlated with TNM stage, but not with metastasis. Overexpression of FXR activated the p14ARF-MDM2-p53 pathway. As a p53 inhibitor, PFT-α increased MDM2 in Lenti-vector cells, but had no effect on MDM2 in Lenti-FXR cells. CONCLUSIONS FXR inhibits cervical cancer by upregulating the p14ARF-MDM2-p53 pathway. Activation of FXR may be a potential strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Huimin Shen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Danmei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ganggang Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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35
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Jiao TY, Ma YD, Guo XZ, Ye YF, Xie C. Bile acid and receptors: biology and drug discovery for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1103-1119. [PMID: 35217817 PMCID: PMC9061718 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00880-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a series of liver metabolic disorders manifested by lipid accumulation within hepatocytes, has become the primary cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. About 20%-30% of NAFLD patients advance to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), along with cell death, inflammation response and fibrogenesis. The pathogenesis of NASH is complex and its development is strongly related to multiple metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases). The clinical outcomes include liver failure and hepatocellular cancer. There is no FDA-approved NASH drug so far, and thus effective therapeutics are urgently needed. Bile acids are synthesized in hepatocytes, transported into the intestine, metabolized by gut bacteria and recirculated back to the liver by the enterohepatic system. They exert pleiotropic roles in the absorption of fats and regulation of metabolism. Studies on the relevance of bile acid disturbance with NASH render it as an etiological factor in NASH pathogenesis. Recent findings on the functional identification of bile acid receptors have led to a further understanding of the pathophysiology of NASH such as metabolic dysregulation and inflammation, and bile acid receptors are recognized as attractive targets for NASH treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of bile acids and the receptors in the development of NAFLD and NASH, especially the functions of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in different tissues including liver and intestine. The progress in the development of bile acid and its receptors-based drugs for the treatment of NASH including bile acid analogs and non-bile acid modulators on bile acid metabolism is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuan-di Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yun-Fei Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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36
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Griffith DOL. Genomic and transcriptomic somatic alterations of hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic livers. Cancer Genet 2022; 264-265:90-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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37
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Huang X, Fan M, Huang W. Pleiotropic roles of FXR in liver and colorectal cancers. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 543:111543. [PMID: 34995680 PMCID: PMC8818033 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is generally considered a cell protector of enterohepatic tissues and a suppressor of liver cancer and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Loss or reduction of FXR expression occurs during carcinogenesis, and the FXR level is inversely associated with the aggressive behaviors of the malignancy. Global deletion of FXR and tissue-specific deletion of FXR display distinct effects on tumorigenesis. Epigenetic silencing and inflammatory context are two main contributors to impaired FXR expression and activity. FXR exerts its antitumorigenic function via the following mechanisms: 1) FXR regulates multiple metabolic processes, notably bile acid homeostasis; 2) FXR antagonizes hepatic and enteric inflammation; 3) FXR impedes aberrant activation of some cancer-related pathways; and 4) FXR downregulates a number of oncogenes while upregulating some tumor suppressor genes. Restoring FXR functions via its agonists provides a therapeutic approach for patients with liver cancer and CRC. However, an in-depth understanding of the species-specific pharmacological effects is a prerequisite for assessing the clinical safety and efficacy of FXR agonists in human cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, PR China.
| | - Mingjie Fan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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38
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Kovacevic B, Jones M, Ionescu C, Walker D, Wagle S, Chester J, Foster T, Brown D, Mikov M, Mooranian A, Al-Salami H. The emerging role of bile acids as critical components in nanotechnology and bioengineering: Pharmacology, formulation optimizers and hydrogel-biomaterial applications. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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39
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Kim EY, Lee JM. Transcriptional Control of Trpm6 by the Nuclear Receptor FXR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041980. [PMID: 35216094 PMCID: PMC8874704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid x receptor (FXR) is a nuclear bile acid receptor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. It plays an essential role in bile acid biosynthesis, lipid and glucose metabolism, liver regeneration, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. A loss of the FXR gene or dysregulations of FXR-mediated gene expression are associated with the development of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, tumorigenesis, inflammation, and diabetes mellitus. Magnesium ion (Mg2+) is essential for mammalian physiology. Over 600 enzymes are dependent on Mg2+ for their activity. Here, we show that the Trpm6 gene encoding a Mg2+ channel is a direct FXR target gene in the intestinal epithelial cells of mice. FXR expressed in the intestinal epithelial cells is absolutely required for sustaining a basal expression of intestinal Trpm6 that can be robustly induced by the treatment of GW4064, a synthetic FXR agonist. Analysis of FXR ChIP-seq data revealed that intron regions of Trpm6 contain two prominent FXR binding peaks. Among them, the proximal peak from the transcription start site contains a functional inverted repeat 1 (IR1) response element that directly binds to the FXR-RXRα heterodimer. Based on these results, we proposed that an intestinal FXR-TRPM6 axis may link a bile acid signaling to Mg2+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
| | - Jae Man Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
- BK21 FOUR KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-420-4826
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The Role of Thymine DNA Glycosylase in Transcription, Active DNA Demethylation, and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030765. [PMID: 35159032 PMCID: PMC8833622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Thymine DNA Glycosylase (TDG) is a DNA repair protein that plays an important role in gene regulation. Recent studies have shown that TDG interacts with various transcription factors to activate target genes. TDG also functions in a pathway known as active DNA demethylation, which removes 5-mC from DNA and replaces it with unmethylated cytosine. In this review, we summarize the various functions of TDG in gene regulation as well as the physiological relevance of TDG in cancer. Abstract DNA methylation is an essential covalent modification that is required for growth and development. Once considered to be a relatively stable epigenetic mark, many studies have established that DNA methylation is dynamic. The 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) mark can be removed through active DNA demethylation in which 5-mC is converted to an unmodified cytosine through an oxidative pathway coupled to base excision repair (BER). The BER enzyme Thymine DNA Glycosylase (TDG) plays a key role in active DNA demethylation by excising intermediates of 5-mC generated by this process. TDG acts as a key player in transcriptional regulation through its interactions with various nuclear receptors and transcription factors, in addition to its involvement in classical BER and active DNA demethylation, which serve to protect the stability of the genome and epigenome, respectively. Recent animal studies have identified a connection between the loss of Tdg and the onset of tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on TDG’s function as a transcriptional regulator as well as the physiological relevance of TDG and active DNA demethylation in cancer.
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Steinman JB, Salomao MA, Pajvani UB. Zonation in NASH - A key paradigm for understanding pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. Liver Int 2021; 41:2534-2546. [PMID: 34328687 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exists as a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to histologically defined hepatocyte injury and inflammatory changes that define steatohepatitis (NASH), and increase risk for fibrosis. Although zonal differences in NASH have not been systematically studied, periportal involvement has been associated with worse metabolic outcomes and more hepatic fibrosis as compared to pericentral disease. These data suggest that hepatic zonation of disease may influence the diversity of clinical presentations. Similarly, several randomized clinical trials suggest a differential response based on zonation of disease, with preferential effects on periportal (cysteamine) or pericentral disease (obeticholic acid, pioglitazone). Intriguingly, morphogenic pathways known to affect zonal development and maintenance - WNT/β-Catenin, Hedgehog, HIPPO/Yap/TAZ and Notch - have been implicated in NASH pathogenesis, and nuclear hormone receptors downstream of potential NASH therapeutics show zonal preferences. In this review, we summarize these data and propose that patient-specific activation of these pathways may explain the variability in clinical presentation, and the zone-specific response observed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela A Salomao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Utpal B Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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42
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Nadolny C, Zhang X, Chen Q, Hashmi SF, Ali W, Hemme C, Ahsan N, Chen Y, Deng R. Dysregulation and activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2b in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4746-4767. [PMID: 34765291 PMCID: PMC8569343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific peptidase-2 (USP2) plays important roles in a myriad of cellular activities through deubiquitinating target proteins and its implications in various diseases, especially cancers, are starting to emerge. Our current understanding on USP2 expression in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its roles in the pathogenesis of HCC is limited. In this study, we found that USP2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly dysregulated in HCC tumor (HCC-T) when compared to adjacent non-tumor (HCC-NT) or normal liver tissues from both human and mouse HCC model. Among the USP2 isoforms, USP2b was the predominant isoform in the normal liver and markedly down-regulated in HCC-T tissues in both human and mice. Data from overexpression, chemical inhibition and knockout studies consistently demonstrated that USP2b promoted cell proliferation, colony formation and wound healing in HepG2 and Huh 7 cells. On the other hand, USP2b exhibited proapoptotic and pronecrtotic activities through enhancing bile acid-induced apoptosis and necrosis in both HepG2 and Huh 7 cells. Unbiased proteomic analysis of USP2-knockout (KO) and parental HepG2 cells resulted in identification of USP2-regulated downstream target proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis, including serine/threonine kinase 4 (STK4), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) and fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1). In conclusion, USP2b expression was dysregulated in subjects with HCC and contributed to the pathogenesis of HCC by promoting cell proliferation and exerting proapoptotic and pronecrotic activities. The findings provide the molecular basis for developing therapies for HCC through modulating USP2b expression or activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nadolny
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Xinmu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Qiwen Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Syed F Hashmi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Winifer Ali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Christopher Hemme
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island HospitalProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Ruitang Deng
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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43
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Chun HJ, Shim YJ, Kwon YH. Cholic acid supplementation accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to the procarcinogenic state in mice fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 100:108869. [PMID: 34563665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the intracellular cholesterol accumulation has been demonstrated to regulate the gene expression responsible for steatohepatitis, the role played by cholesterol in the development of NAFLD-associated HCC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, using microarray analysis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms governing cholesterol-mediated progression of NAFLD. To ensure hepatic cholesterol accumulation, either a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet or a high-fat and high-cholesterol with cholic acid (HFHCCA) diet was fed to diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-injected C57BL/6J mice for 10 weeks. While an HFHC diet increased hepatic triglyceride levels, an HFHCCA diet induced hepatic cholesterol accumulation by reducing bile acid biosynthesis in DEN-injected mice. Livers from both HFHC and HFHCCA groups exhibited increases in steatosis and necrosis; however, histological features of HCC were not observed in any of the experimental groups. Hepatic gene expression profile of the HFHCCA group was different from those of other groups. Functional analysis showed that cholic acid supplementation upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, chemical drug response, and cancer signaling pathway. Downregulated DEGs were associated with steroid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Furthermore, hepatic cholesterol accumulation lowered the expression of DEGs associated with energy and macronutrient metabolism, especially amino acid metabolism. In this study, the results of a global gene expression profile demonstrated that feeding the HFHCCA diet to DEN-injected mice accelerated the carcinogenic progression of NAFLD, implicating the critical role played by hepatic accumulation of cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jeong Chun
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Joo Shim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hye Kwon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
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44
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Wang L, Luo Q, Zeng S, Lou Y, Li X, Hu M, Lu L, Liu Z. Disordered farnesoid X receptor signaling is associated with liver carcinogenesis in Abcb11-deficient mice. J Pathol 2021; 255:412-424. [PMID: 34410012 DOI: 10.1002/path.5780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
ABCB11 encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP), a key regulator in maintaining bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Although inherited ABCB11 mutations have previously been linked to primary liver cancer, whether ABCB11 deficiency leads to liver cancer remains unknown. Here, we analyzed ABCB11 mRNA expression levels in liver tumor specimens [29 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and one with mixed HCC/ICC] with adjacent normal specimens and published human datasets. Liver tissues obtained from Abcb11-deficient (Abcb11-/- ) mice and wild-type mice at different ages were compared by histologic, RNA-sequencing, and BA analyses. ABCB11 was significantly downregulated in human liver tumors compared with normal controls. Abcb11-/- mice demonstrated progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and liver fibrosis, and spontaneously developed HCC and ICC over 12 months of age. Abcb11 deficiency increased BAs in the liver and serum in mice, most of which are farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists/non-agonists. Accordingly, the hepatic expression and transcriptional activity of FXR were downregulated in Abcb11-/- mouse livers. Administration of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid reduced liver injury and tumor incidence in Abcb11-/- mice. In conclusion, ABCB11 is aberrantly downregulated and plays a vital role in liver carcinogenesis. The cholestatic liver injury and liver tumors developed in Abcb11-/- mice are associated with increased FXR antagonist BAs and thereby decreased activation of FXR. FXR activation might be a therapeutic strategy in ABCB11 deficiency diseases. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qing Luo
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Sijing Zeng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yanmei Lou
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ming Hu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.,Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linlin Lu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), PR China
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45
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Nguyen-Lefebvre AT, Selzner N, Wrana JL, Bhat M. The hippo pathway: A master regulator of liver metabolism, regeneration, and disease. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21570. [PMID: 33831275 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002284rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the only visceral organ in the body with a tremendous capacity to regenerate in response to insults that induce inflammation, cell death, and injury. Liver regeneration is a complicated process involving a well-orchestrated activation of non-parenchymal cells in the injured area and proliferation of undamaged hepatocytes. Furthermore, the liver has a Hepatostat, defined as adjustment of its volume to that required for homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms that control different steps of liver regeneration is critical to informing therapies for liver repair, to help patients with liver disease. The Hippo signaling pathway is well known for playing an essential role in the control and regulation of liver size, regeneration, stem cell self-renewal, and liver cancer. Thus, the Hippo pathway regulates dynamic cell fates in liver, and in absence of its downstream effectors YAP and TAZ, liver regeneration is severely impaired, and the proliferative expansion of liver cells blocked. We will mainly review upstream mechanisms activating the Hippo signaling pathway following partial hepatectomy in mouse model and patients, its roles during different steps of liver regeneration, metabolism, and cancer. We will also discuss how targeting the Hippo signaling cascade might improve liver regeneration and suppress liver tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Thu Nguyen-Lefebvre
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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46
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Petrescu AD, DeMorrow S. Farnesoid X Receptor as Target for Therapies to Treat Cholestasis-Induced Liver Injury. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081846. [PMID: 34440614 PMCID: PMC8392259 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on liver disease burden worldwide estimated that cirrhosis is the 11th most common cause of death globally, and there is a great need for new therapies to limit the progression of liver injuries in the early stages. Cholestasis is caused by accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids (BA) in the liver due to dysfunctional BA efflux or bile flow into the gall bladder. Therefore, strategies to increase detoxification of hydrophobic BA and downregulate genes involved in BA production are largely investigated. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has a central role in BA homeostasis and recent publications revealed that changes in autophagy due to BA-induced reactive oxygen species and increased anti-oxidant response via nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), result in dysregulation of FXR signaling. Several mechanistic studies have identified new dysfunctions of the cholestatic liver at cellular and molecular level, opening new venues for developing more performant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca D. Petrescu
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 78712, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-512-495-5779
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47
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Orabi D, Berger NA, Brown JM. Abnormal Metabolism in the Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanistic Insights to Chemoprevention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3473. [PMID: 34298687 PMCID: PMC8307710 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise and becoming a major contributor to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reasons for this include the rise in obesity and metabolic syndrome in contrast to the marked advances in prevention and treatment strategies of viral HCC. These shifts are expected to rapidly propel this trend even further in the coming decades, with NAFLD on course to become the leading etiology of end-stage liver disease and HCC. No Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications are currently available for the treatment of NAFLD, and advances are desperately needed. Numerous medications with varying mechanisms of action targeting liver steatosis and fibrosis are being investigated including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists. Additionally, drugs targeting components of metabolic syndrome, such as antihyperglycemics, have been found to affect NAFLD progression and are now being considered in the treatment of these patients. As NAFLD drug discovery continues, special attention should be given to their relationship to HCC. Several mechanisms in the pathogenesis of NAFLD have been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis, and therapies aimed at NAFLD may additionally harbor independent antitumorigenic potential. This approach may provide novel prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Orabi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nathan A. Berger
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - J. Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
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48
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Girisa S, Henamayee S, Parama D, Rana V, Dutta U, Kunnumakkara AB. Targeting Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) for developing novel therapeutics against cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:21. [PMID: 35006466 PMCID: PMC8607382 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the lethal diseases that arise due to the molecular alterations in the cell. One of those alterations associated with cancer corresponds to differential expression of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor regulating bile, cholesterol homeostasis, lipid, and glucose metabolism. FXR is known to regulate several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the two highly reported causes of mortality globally. Recent studies have shown the association of FXR overexpression with cancer development and progression in different types of cancers of breast, lung, pancreas, and oesophagus. It has also been associated with tissue-specific and cell-specific roles in various cancers. It has been shown to modulate several cell-signalling pathways such as EGFR/ERK, NF-κB, p38/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT along with their targets such as caspases, MMPs, cyclins; tumour suppressor proteins like p53, C/EBPβ, and p-Rb; various cytokines; EMT markers; and many more. Therefore, FXR has high potential as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer. Thus, the present review focuses on the diverse role of FXR in different cancers and its agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosmitha Girisa
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Sahu Henamayee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Dey Parama
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Varsha Rana
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Uma Dutta
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, 781001, India.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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49
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Sheps JA, Wang R, Wang J, Ling V. The protective role of hydrophilic tetrahydroxylated bile acids (THBA). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158925. [PMID: 33713832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids are key components of bile required for human health. In humans and mice, conditions of reduced bile flow, cholestasis, induce bile acid detoxification by producing tetrahydroxylated bile acids (THBA), more hydrophilic and less cytotoxic than the usual bile acids, which are typically di- or tri-hydroxylated. Mice deficient in the Bile Salt Export Pump (Bsep, or Abcb11), the primary bile acid transporter in liver cells, produce high levels of THBA, and avoid the severe liver damage typically seen in humans with BSEP deficiencies. THBA can suppress bile acid-induced liver damage in Mdr2-deficient mice, caused by their lack of phospholipids in bile exposing their biliary tracts to unbound bile acids. Here we review THBA-related works in both animals and humans, and discuss their potential relevance and applications as a class of functional bile acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Sheps
- BC Cancer Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Renxue Wang
- BC Cancer Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Victor Ling
- BC Cancer Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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50
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Conde de la Rosa L, Garcia-Ruiz C, Vallejo C, Baulies A, Nuñez S, Monte MJ, Marin JJG, Baila-Rueda L, Cenarro A, Civeira F, Fuster J, Garcia-Valdecasas JC, Ferrer J, Karin M, Ribas V, Fernandez-Checa JC. STARD1 promotes NASH-driven HCC by sustaining the generation of bile acids through the alternative mitochondrial pathway. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1429-1441. [PMID: 33515644 PMCID: PMC8573791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Besides their physiological role in bile formation and fat digestion, bile acids (BAs) synthesised from cholesterol in hepatocytes act as signalling molecules that modulate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Trafficking of cholesterol to mitochondria through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein 1 (STARD1) is the rate-limiting step in the alternative pathway of BA generation, the physiological relevance of which is not well understood. Moreover, the specific contribution of the STARD1-dependent BA synthesis pathway to HCC has not been previously explored. METHODS STARD1 expression was analyzed in a cohort of human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-derived HCC specimens. Experimental NASH-driven HCC models included MUP-uPA mice fed a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment in wild-type (WT) mice fed a HFHC diet. Molecular species of BAs and oxysterols were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of NASH-derived BA profiles were investigated in tumour-initiated stem-like cells (TICs) and primary mouse hepatocytes (PMHs). RESULTS Patients with NASH-associated HCC exhibited increased hepatic expression of STARD1 and an enhanced BA pool. Using NASH-driven HCC models, STARD1 overexpression in WT mice increased liver tumour multiplicity, whereas hepatocyte-specific STARD1 deletion (Stard1ΔHep) in WT or MUP-uPA mice reduced tumour burden. These findings mirrored the levels of unconjugated primary BAs, β-muricholic acid and cholic acid, and their tauroconjugates in STARD1-overexpressing and Stard1ΔHep mice. Incubation of TICs or PMHs with a mix of BAs mimicking this profile stimulated expression of genes involved in pluripotency, stemness and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals a previously unrecognised role of STARD1 in HCC pathogenesis, wherein it promotes the synthesis of primary BAs through the mitochondrial pathway, the products of which act in TICs to stimulate self-renewal, stemness and inflammation. LAY SUMMARY Effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited because of our incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. The contribution of the alternative pathway of bile acid (BA) synthesis to HCC development is unknown. We uncover a key role for steroidogenic acute regulatory protein 1 (STARD1) in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-driven HCC, wherein it stimulates the generation of BAs in the mitochondrial acidic pathway, the products of which stimulate hepatocyte pluripotency and self-renewal, as well as inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Conde de la Rosa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Carmen Vallejo
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Baulies
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Nuñez
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Monte
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose J G Marin
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lucia Baila-Rueda
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cenarro
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Civeira
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Fuster
- HepatoBilioPancreatic Surgery and Liver and Pancreatic Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, ICMDiM, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan C Garcia-Valdecasas
- HepatoBilioPancreatic Surgery and Liver and Pancreatic Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, ICMDiM, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Ferrer
- HepatoBilioPancreatic Surgery and Liver and Pancreatic Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, ICMDiM, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vicent Ribas
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jose C Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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