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Zhang J, Chen W, Song K, Song K, Kolls J, Wu T. YAP activation in liver macrophages via depletion of MST1/MST2 enhances liver inflammation and fibrosis in MASLD. FASEB J 2024; 38:e70026. [PMID: 39215627 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400813rr] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages have been recognized as pivotal players in the progression of MASLD/MASH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their multifaceted functions in the disease remain to be further clarified. In the current study, we developed a new mouse model with YAP activation in macrophages to delineate the effect and mechanism of YAP signaling in the pathogenesis of MASLD/MASH. Genetically modified mice, featuring specific depletion of both Mst1 and Mst2 in macrophages/monocytes, were generated and exposed to a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce MASLD. Following this period, livers were collected for histopathological examination, and liver non-parenchymal cells were isolated and subjected to various analyses, including single-cell RNA-sequencing, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting and qRT-PCR to investigate the impact of YAP signaling on the progression of MASLD. Our data revealed that Mst1/2 depletion in liver macrophages enhanced liver inflammation and fibrosis in MASLD. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we showed that YAP activation via Mst1/2 depletion upregulated the expressions of both pro-inflammatory genes and genes associated with resolution/tissue repair. We observed that YAP activation increases Kupffer cell populations (i.e., Kupffer-2 and Kupffer-3) which are importantly implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD/MASH. Our data indicate that YAP activation via Mst1/2 deletion enhances both the pro-inflammatory and tissue repairing functions of Kupffer-1 and -2 cells at least in part through C1q. These YAP-regulatory mechanisms control the plasticity of liver macrophages in the context of MASLD/MASH. Our findings provide important evidence supporting the critical regulatory role of YAP signaling in liver macrophage plasticity and the progression of MASLD. Therefore, targeting the Hippo-YAP pathway may present a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiang Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kyoungsub Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kejing Song
- Tulane Center for Translational Research in Infection & Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jay Kolls
- Tulane Center for Translational Research in Infection & Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Tian Y, Ni Y, Zhang T, Cao Y, Zhou M, Zhao C. Targeting hepatic macrophages for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1444198. [PMID: 39300994 PMCID: PMC11410645 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1444198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have become global health challenges with significant morbidity and mortality rates. NAFLD encompasses several liver diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to more severe inflammatory and fibrotic forms. Ultimately, this can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The intricate role of hepatic macrophages, particularly Kupffer cells (KCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs), in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH, has received increasing attention. Hepatic macrophages can interact with hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Paradoxically, they also participate in the pathogenesis of some liver diseases. This review highlights the fundamental role of hepatic macrophages in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH, emphasizing their plasticity and contribution to inflammation and fibrosis, and hopes to provide ideas for subsequent experimental research and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Tian
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Ni
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yemin Cao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingmei Zhou
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Liu Y, Zhou W, Zhao J, Chu M, Xu M, Wang X, Xie L, Zhou Y, Song L, Wang J, Yang T. Regulation of YAP translocation by myeloid Pten deficiency alleviates acute lung injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:199-210. [PMID: 38901501 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is intricately involved in modulating the inflammatory response in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Nevertheless, the myeloid PTEN governing Hippo-YAP pathway mediated oxidative stress and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remains to be elucidate. METHODS The floxed Pten (PtenFL/FL) and myeloid-specific Pten knockout (PtenM-KO) mice were intratracheal instill LPS (5 mg/kg) to establish ALI, then Yap siRNA mix with the mannose-conjugated polymers was used to knockdown endogenous macrophage YAP in some PtenM-KO mice before LPS challenged. The bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from PtenFL/FL and PtenM-KO mice were obtained, and BMMs were transfected with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated glycogen synthase kinase 3 Beta (GSK3β) knockout (KO) or Yes-associated protein (YAP) KO vector subjected to LPS (100 ng/ml) challenged or then cocultured with MLE12 cells. RESULTS Here, our findings demonstrate that myeloid-specific PTEN deficiency exerts a protective against LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation dysregulated in ALI model. Moreover, ablation of the PTEN-YAP axis in macrophages results in reduced nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (NRF2) expression, a decrease in antioxidant gene expression, augmented levels of free radicals, lipid and protein peroxidation, heightened generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately leading to increased apoptosis in MLE12 cells. Mechanistically, it is noteworthy that the deletion of myeloid PTEN promotes YAP translocation and regulates NRF2 expression, alleviating LPS-induced ALI via the inhibition of GSK3β and MST1 binding. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the crucial role of the myeloid PTEN-YAP-NRF2 axis in governing oxidative stress and inflammation dysregulated in ALI, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenqin Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingqiang Chu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingcui Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liangjie Xie
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijia Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang School of Clinical Medicine with Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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Luo X, Guo J, Deng H, He Z, Wen Y, Si Z, Li J. Unveiling the role of disulfidptosis-related genes in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386905. [PMID: 38812509 PMCID: PMC11133613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presents as a common liver disease characterized by an indistinct pathogenesis. Disulfidptosis is a recently identified mode of cell death. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Methods Gene expression profiles were obtained from the bulk RNA dataset GSE126848 and the single-cell RNA dataset GSE136103, both associated with NAFLD. Our study assessed the expression of DRGs in NAFLD and normal tissues. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were employed to identify the key NAFLD-specific differentially expressed DRGs (DE-DRGs). To explore the biological functions and immune regulatory roles of these key DE-DRGs, we conducted immune infiltration analysis, functional enrichment analysis, consensus clustering analysis, and single-cell differential state analysis. Finally, we validated the expression and biological functions of DRGs in NAFLD patients using histology and RNA-sequencing transcriptomic assays with human liver tissue samples. Results Through the intersection of WGCNA, differentially expressed genes, and DRGs, two key DE-DRGs (DSTN and MYL6) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a higher proportion of macrophages, T cells, and resting dendritic cells in NAFLD compared to control liver samples. Based on the key DE-DRGs, Two disulfidptosis clusters were defined in GSE126848. Cluster 1, with higher expression of the key DE-DRGs, exhibited increased immune infiltration abundance and was closely associated with oxidative stress and immune regulation compared to cluster 2. High-resolution analysis of mononuclear phagocytes highlighted the potential role of MYL6 in intrahepatic M1 phenotype Kupffer cells in NAFLD patients. Our transcriptome data revealed that the expression levels of the majority of DRGs were significantly increased in NAFLD patients. NAFLD patients exhibit elevated MYL6 correlating with inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease severity, offering promising diagnostic specificity. Conclusion This comprehensive study provides evidence for the association between NAFLD and disulfidptosis, identifying potential target genes and pathways in NAFLD. The identification of MYL6 as a possible treatment target for NAFLD provided a novel understanding of the disease's development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhongzhou Si
- Department of Liver Transplant, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiequn Li
- Department of Liver Transplant, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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He X, Wedn A, Wang J, Gu Y, Liu H, Zhang J, Lin Z, Zhou R, Pang X, Cui Y. IUPHAR ECR review: The cGAS-STING pathway: Novel functions beyond innate immune and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107063. [PMID: 38216006 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107063] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial innate immune sensor responsible for distinguishing pathogens and cytosolic DNA, mediating innate immune signaling pathways to defend the host. Recent studies have revealed additional regulatory functions of STING beyond its innate immune-related activities, including the regulation of cellular metabolism, DNA repair, cellular senescence, autophagy and various cell deaths. These findings highlight the broader implications of STING in cellular physiology beyond its role in innate immunity. Currently, approximately 10 STING agonists have entered the clinical stage. Unlike inhibitors, which have a maximum inhibition limit, agonists have the potential for infinite amplification. STING signaling is a complex process that requires precise regulation of STING to ensure balanced immune responses and prevent detrimental autoinflammation. Recent research on the structural mechanism of STING autoinhibition and its negative regulation by adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) provides valuable insights into its different effects under physiological and pathological conditions, offering a new perspective for developing immune regulatory drugs. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the regulatory functions and molecular mechanisms of STING beyond innate immune regulation, along with updated details of its structural mechanisms. We discuss the implications of these complex regulations in various diseases, emphasizing the importance and feasibility of targeting the immunity-dependent or immunity-independent functions of STING. Moreover, we highlight the current trend in drug development and key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research related to STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Abdalla Wedn
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Juqi Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Renpeng Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT06519, USA.
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 PMCID: PMC11323288 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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