1
|
Kotulkar M, Barbee J, Paine-Cabrera D, Robarts D, O'Neil M, Apte U. Role of HNF4α-cMyc Interaction in CDE Diet-Induced Liver Injury and Regeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1218-1229. [PMID: 38588852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a nuclear factor essential for liver function that regulates the expression of cMyc and plays an important role during liver regeneration. This study investigated the role of the HNF4α-cMyc interaction in regulating liver injury and regeneration using the choline-deficient and ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet model. Wild-type (WT), hepatocyte-specific HNF4α-knockout (KO), cMyc-KO, and HNF4α-cMyc double KO (DKO) mice were fed a CDE diet for 1 week to induce subacute liver injury. To study regeneration, normal chow diet was fed for 1 week after CDE diet. WT mice exhibited significant liver injury and decreased HNF4α mRNA and protein expression after CDE diet. HNF4α deletion resulted in significantly higher injury with increased inflammation, fibrosis, proliferation, and hepatic progenitor cell activation compared with WT mice after CDE diet but indicated similar recovery. Deletion of cMyc lowered liver injury with activation of inflammatory genes compared with WT and HNF4α-KO mice after CDE diet. DKO mice had a phenotype comparable to that of the HNF4α-KO mice after CDE diet and a complete recovery. DKO mice exhibited a significant increase in hepatic progenitor cell markers both after injury and recovery phase. Taken together, these data show that HNF4α protects against inflammatory and fibrotic changes after CDE diet-induced injury, which is driven by cMyc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Julia Barbee
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dakota Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Maura O'Neil
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kotulkar M, Paine-Cabrera D, Robarts DR, Apte U. Regulation of hepatic xenosensor function by HNF4alpha. Toxicol Sci 2024:kfae069. [PMID: 38810120 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors such as Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-alpha (PPARα), and transcription factors with nuclear receptor type activity such as Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) function as xenobiotic sensors. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4α) is a highly conserved orphan nuclear receptor essential for liver function. We tested the hypothesis that HNF4α is essential for the function of these four major xenosensors. Wild-type (WT) and hepatocyte-specific Hnf4a null (HNF4α-KO) mice were treated with the mouse-specific activators of AhR (TCDD, 30 µg/kg), CAR (TCPOBOP, 2.5 µg/g), PXR, (PCN, 100 µg/g), and PPARα (WY-14643, 1 mg/kg). Blood and liver tissue samples were collected to study receptor activation. TCDD (AhR agonist) treatment did not affect the liver-to-body weight ratio (LW/BW) in either WT or HNF4α-KO mice. Further, TCDD activated AhR in both WT and HNF4α-KO mice, confirmed by increase in expression of AhR target genes. TCPOBOP (CAR agonist) significantly increased the LW/BW ratio and CAR target gene expression in WT mice, but not in HNF4α-KO mice. PCN (a mouse PXR agonist) significantly increased LW/BW ratio in both WT and HNF4α-KO mice however, it failed to induce PXR target genes in HNF4α-KO mice. The treatment of WY-14643 (PPARα agonist) increased LW/BW ratio and PPARα target gene expression in WT mice but not in HNF4α-KO mice. Together, these data indicate that the function of CAR, PXR, and PPARα but not of AhR was disrupted in HNF4α-KO mice. These results demonstrate that HNF4α function is critical for the activation of hepatic xenosensors, which are critical for toxicological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Dakota R Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen S, Lu Z, Zhao Y, Xia L, Liu C, Zuo S, Jin M, Jia H, Li S, Zhang S, Yang B, Wang Z, Li J, Wang F, Yang C. Myeloid-Mas Signaling Modulates Pathogenic Crosstalk among MYC +CD63 + Endothelial Cells, MMP12 + Macrophages, and Monocytes in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306066. [PMID: 38350725 PMCID: PMC11040347 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF). Despite the pivotal role of the inflammatory microenvironment in the progression of advanced acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI), a comprehensive understanding of the underlying cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms remains elusive. Mas is a G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed by myeloid cells; however, its role in the AILI microenvironment remains to be elucidated. A multidimensional approach, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and hour-long intravital imaging, is employed to characterize the microenvironment in Mas1 deficient mice at the systemic and cell-specific levels. The characteristic landscape of mouse AILI models involves reciprocal cellular communication among MYC+CD63+ endothelial cells, MMP12+ macrophages, and monocytes, which is maintained by enhanced glycolysis and the NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway due to myeloid-Mas deficiency. Importantly, the pathogenic microenvironment is delineated in samples obtained from patients with ALF, demonstrating its clinical relevance. In summary, these findings greatly enhance the understanding of the microenvironment in advanced AILI and offer potential avenues for patient stratification and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Zhi Lu
- Department of AutomationTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Institute for Brain and Cognitive SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yudong Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Lu Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Chun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Siqing Zuo
- Department of AutomationTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Institute for Brain and Cognitive SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Manchang Jin
- Institute for Brain and Cognitive SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Electrical and Information EngineeringTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Haoyu Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Zhijing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| | - Fei Wang
- Division of GastroenterologySeventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyTongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai200092China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huo Q, Yue T, Li W, Wang X, Dong Y, Wu X, He X, Lu L, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Li D. Time-restricted feeding prevents ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic stem cell damage by inhibiting NOX-4/ROS/p38 MAPK pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111695. [PMID: 38401461 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced damage to the hematopoietic system is a prominent symptom following exposure to total body irradiation (TBI). The exploration of strategies aimed at to mitigating radiation-induced hematopoietic damage assumes paramount importance. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has garnered attention for its beneficial effects in various diseases. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of TRF on TBI-induced hematopoietic damage. The results suggested that TRF significantly enhanced the proportion and function of hematopoietic stem cells in mice exposed to 4 Gy TBI. These effects might be attributed to the inhibition of the NOX-4/ROS/p38 MAPK pathway in hematopoietic stem cells. TRF also influenced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 and increased glutathione peroxidase activity, thereby promoting the clearance of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, TRF alleviated aberrations in plasma metabolism by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin. These findings suggest that TRF may represent a novel approach to preventing hematopoietic radiation damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Huo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Tongpeng Yue
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxuan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinping Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Junling Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
| | - Deguan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramachandran A, Akakpo JY, Curry SC, Rumack BH, Jaeschke H. Clinically relevant therapeutic approaches against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116056. [PMID: 38346541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Liver injury and acute liver failure caused by an acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a significant clinical problem in western countries. With the introduction of the mouse model of APAP hepatotoxicity in the 1970 s, fundamental mechanisms of cell death were discovered. This included the recognition that part of the APAP dose is metabolized by cytochrome P450 generating a reactive metabolite that is detoxified by glutathione. After the partial depletion of glutathione, the reactive metabolite will covalently bind to sulfhydryl groups of proteins, which is the initiating event of the toxicity. This insight led to the introduction of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a glutathione precursor, as antidote against APAP overdose in the clinic. Despite substantial progress in our understanding of the pathomechanisms over the last decades viable new antidotes only emerged recently. This review will discuss the background, mechanisms of action, and the clinical prospects of the existing FDA-approved antidote N-acetylcysteine, of several new drug candidates under clinical development [4-methylpyrazole (fomepizole), calmangafodipir] and examples of additional therapeutic targets (Nrf2 activators) and regeneration promoting agents (thrombopoietin mimetics, adenosine A2B receptor agonists, Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells). Although there are clear limitations of certain therapeutic approaches, there is reason to be optimistic. The substantial progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of APAP hepatotoxicity led to the consideration of several drugs for development as clinical antidotes against APAP overdose in recent years. Based on the currently available information, it is likely that this will result in additional drugs that could be used as adjunct treatment for N-acetylcysteine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anup Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jephte Y Akakpo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Steven C Curry
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Department of Medicine, and Division of Clinical Data Analytics and Decision Support, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Barry H Rumack
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu F, Liao Z, Zhang Z. MYC in liver cancer: mechanisms and targeted therapy opportunities. Oncogene 2023; 42:3303-3318. [PMID: 37833558 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
MYC, a major oncogenic transcription factor, regulates target genes involved in various pathways such as cell proliferation, metabolism and immune evasion, playing a critical role in the tumor initiation and development in multiple types of cancer. In liver cancer, MYC and its signaling pathways undergo significant changes, exerting a profound impact on liver cancer progression, including tumor proliferation, metastasis, dedifferentiation, metabolism, immune microenvironment, and resistance to comprehensive therapies. This makes MYC an appealing target, despite it being previously considered an undruggable protein. In this review, we discuss the role and mechanisms of MYC in liver physiology, chronic liver diseases, hepatocarcinogenesis, and liver cancer progression, providing a theoretical basis for targeting MYC as an ideal therapeutic target for liver cancer. We also summarize and prospect the strategies for targeting MYC, including direct and indirect approaches to abolish the oncogenic function of MYC in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kotulkar M, Cabrera DP, Robarts D, Apte U. Regulation of Hepatic Xenosensor Function by HNF4alpha. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.11.561888. [PMID: 37873133 PMCID: PMC10592787 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.11.561888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors including Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-alpha (PPARα) function as xenobiotic sensors. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4α) is a highly conserved orphan nuclear receptor essential for liver function. We tested the hypothesis that HNF4α is essential for function of these four major xenosensors. Wild-type (WT) and hepatocyte-specific HNF4α knockout (HNF4α-KO) mice were treated with the mouse-specific activators of AhR (TCDD, 30 µg/kg), CAR (TCPOBOP, 2.5 µg/g), PXR, (PCN, 100 µg/g), and PPARα (WY-14643, 1 mg/kg). Blood and liver tissue samples were collected to study nuclear receptor activation. TCDD (AhR agonist) treatment did not affect the liver-to-body weight ratio (LW/BW) in either WT or HNF4α-KO mice. Further, TCDD activated AhR in both WT and HNF4-KO mice, confirmed by increase in expression of its target genes. TCPOBOP (CAR agonist) significantly increased the LW/BW ratio and CAR target gene expression in WT mice, but not in HNF4α-KO mice. PCN (a mouse PXR agonist) significantly increased LW/BW ratio in both WT and HNF4α-KO mice however, it failed to induce PXR target genes in HNF4 KO mice. The treatment of WY-14643 (PPARα agonist) increased LW/BW ratio and PPARα target gene expression in WT mice but not in HNF4α-KO mice. Together, these data indicate that the function of CAR, PXR, and PPARα but not of AhR was disrupted in HNF4α-KO mice. These results demonstrate that HNF4α function is critical for the activation of hepatic xenosensors, which are critical for toxicological responses.
Collapse
|
8
|
Li X, Ni J, Chen L. Advances in the study of acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1239395. [PMID: 37601069 PMCID: PMC10436315 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1239395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a significant cause of drug-induced liver injury and acute liver failure. The diagnosis, screening, and management of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) is challenging because of the complex mechanisms involved. Starting from the current studies on the mechanisms of AILI, this review focuses on novel findings in the field of diagnosis, screening, and management of AILI. It highlights the current issues that need to be addressed. This review is supposed to summarize the recent research progress and make recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaqi Ni
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) is a highly conserved member of the nuclear receptor superfamily expressed at high levels in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and gut. In the liver, HNF4α is exclusively expressed in hepatocytes, where it is indispensable for embryonic and postnatal liver development and for normal liver function in adults. It is considered a master regulator of hepatic differentiation because it regulates a significant number of genes involved in hepatocyte-specific functions. Loss of HNF4α expression and function is associated with the progression of chronic liver disease. Further, HNF4α is a target of chemical-induced liver injury. In this review, we discuss the role of HNF4α in liver pathophysiology and highlight its potential use as a therapeutic target for liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dakota R Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| |
Collapse
|