1
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He Q, He W, Dong H, Guo Y, Yuan G, Shi X, Wang D, Lu F. Role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:346. [PMID: 38943171 PMCID: PMC11214243 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01720-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly specialized endothelial cells that represent the interface between blood cells on one side and hepatocytes on the other side. LSECs not only form a barrier within the hepatic sinus, but also play important physiological functions such as regulating hepatic vascular pressure, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic. Pathologically, pathogenic factors can induce LSECs capillarization, that is, loss of fenestra and dysfunction, which are conducive to early steatosis, lay the foundation for the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and accelerate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis. The unique localization, phenotype, and function of LSECs make them potential candidates for reducing liver injury, inflammation, and preventing or reversing fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyao He
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wu He
- Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yujin Guo
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Gang Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoli Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dingkun Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Fuer Lu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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2
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Ma Y, Harris J, Li P, Jiang C, Sun H, Cao H. An Integrative Transcriptome Subtraction Strategy to Identify Human lncRNAs That Specifically Play a Role in Activation of Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38921831 PMCID: PMC11206700 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10030034] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic liver features excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily produced from "activated" hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). While targeting human HSCs (hHSCs) in fibrosis therapeutics shows promise, the overall understanding of hHSC activation remains limited, in part because it is very challenging to define the role of human long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hHSC activation. To address this challenge, we identified another cell type that acts via a diverse gene network to promote fibrogenesis. Then, we identified the lncRNAs that were differentially regulated in activated hHSCs and the other profibrotic cell. Next, we conducted concurrent analysis to identify those lncRNAs that were specifically involved in fibrogenesis. We tested and confirmed that transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) represents such a process. By overlapping TGFβ-regulated lncRNAs in multiple sets of hHSCs and VSMCs, we identified a highly selected list of lncRNA candidates that could specifically play a role in hHSC activation. We experimentally characterized one human lncRNA, named CARMN, which was significantly regulated by TGFβ in all conditions above. CARMN knockdown significantly reduced the expression levels of a panel of marker genes for hHSC activation, as well as the levels of ECM deposition and hHSC migration. Conversely, gain of function of CARMN using CRISPR activation (CRISPR-a) yielded the completely opposite effects. Taken together, our work addresses a bottleneck in identifying human lncRNAs that specifically play a role in hHSC activation and provides a framework to effectively select human lncRNAs with significant pathophysiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Haiming Cao
- Cardiovascular Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Yi J, Jeong JH, Won J, Chung S, Pak JH. The crosstalk between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells promotes the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and periductal fibrosis during Clonorchis sinensis infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:151. [PMID: 38519993 PMCID: PMC10958959 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06236-2] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Clonorchis sinensis infection is one of the risk factors that provokes chronic inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, periductal fibrosis and even cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Disrupted or aberrant intercellular communication among liver-constituting cells leads to pathological states that cause various hepatic diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pathological changes caused by C. sinensis excretory-secretory products (ESPs) in non-cancerous human cell lines (cholangiocytes [H69 cell line] and human hepatic stellate cells [LX2 cell line]) and their intercellular crosstalk, as well the pathological changes in infected mouse liver tissues. METHODS The cells were treated with ESPs, following which transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion levels and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and fibrosis-related protein expression were measured. The ESP-mediated cellular motility (migration/invasion) between two cells was assessed using the Transwell and three-dimensional microfluidic assay models. The livers of C. sinensis-infected mice were stained using EMT and fibrotic marker proteins. RESULTS Treatment of cells with ESPs increased TGF-β1 and IL-6 secretion and the expression of EMT- and fibrosis-related proteins. The ESP-mediated mutual cell interaction further affected the cytokine secretion and protein expression levels and promoted cellular motility. N-cadherin overexpression and collagen fiber deposition were observed in the livers of C. sinensis-infected mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that EMT and biliary fibrosis occur through intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells during C. sinensis infection, promoting malignant transformation and advanced hepatobiliary abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeong Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihee Won
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jhang Ho Pak
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Kataria S, Juneja D, Singh O. Transient elastography (FibroScan) in critical care: Applications and limitations. World J Meta-Anal 2023; 11:340-350. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v11.i7.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
FibroScan® is a non-invasive device that assesses the ‘hardness’ (or stiffness) of the liver via the technique of transient elastography. Because fibrous tissue is harder than normal liver, the degree of hepatic fibrosis can be inferred from the liver hardness. This technique is increasingly being employed to diagnose liver fibrosis, even in critically ill patients. It is now being used not only for diagnosis and staging of liver cirrhosis, but also for outcome prognostication. However, the presence of several confounding factors, especially in critically ill patients, may make interpretation of these results unreliable. Through this review we aim to describe the indications and pitfalls of employing FibroScan in patients admitted to intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Kataria
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Deven Juneja
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Omender Singh
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi 110017, India
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5
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Liu C, Mohan SC, Wei J, Seki E, Liu M, Basho R, Giuliano AE, Zhao Y, Cui X. Breast cancer liver metastasis: Pathogenesis and clinical implications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1043771. [PMID: 36387238 PMCID: PMC9641291 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1043771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in female patients worldwide and can spread to almost every place in the human body, most frequently metastasizing to lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver and brain. The liver is a common metastatic location for solid cancers as a whole, and it is also the third most common metastatic site for breast cancer. Breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) is a complex process. Although the hepatic microenvironment and liver sinusoidal structure are crucial factors for the initial arrest of breast cancer and progression within the liver, the biological basis of BCLM remains to be elucidated. Importantly, further understanding of the interaction between breast cancer cells and hepatic microenvironment in the liver metastasis of breast cancer will suggest ways for the development of effective therapy and prevention strategies for BCLM. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the hepatic microenvironment in BCLM formation and discuss current systemic therapies for treating patients with BCLM as well as potential therapeutic development based on the liver microenvironment-associated signaling proteins governing BCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiwei Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Srivarshini C. Mohan
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jielin Wei
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Manran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Reva Basho
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Armando E. Giuliano
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yanxia Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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6
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Wang A, Madden LA, Paunov VN. Fabrication of Angiogenic Sprouting Coculture of Cell Clusteroids Using an Aqueous Two-Phase Pickering Emulsion System. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:1804-1816. [PMID: 35315278 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cell spheroids and 3D cell culture have generated a lot of interest in the past decade due to their relative ease of production and biomedical research applications. To date, the frontier in tumor 3D models has been pushed to the level of personalized cancer treatment and customized tissue engineering applications. However, without vascularization, the central parts of these artificial constructs cannot survive without an adequate oxygen and nutrient supply. The formation of a necrotic core into in vitro 3D cell models still serves as the major obstacle in their wider practical application. Here, we propose a rapid formation protocol based on using a water-in-water (w/w) Pickering emulsion template to generate phenotypically endothelial/hepatic (ECV304/Hep-G2) coculture cell clusteroids with angiogenic capability. The w/w Pickering emulsion template was based on a dextran/poly(ethylene oxide) aqueous two-phase system stabilized by whey protein particles. The initial cell proportion in the coculture clusteroids can easily be manipulated for optimal performance. The cocultured pattern of the endothelial/hepatic cells could significantly promote the production of angiogenesis-related proteins. Our study confirmed that cocultured clusteroids can stimulate cell sprouting without the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or other angiogenesis inducers at a 1:2 ratio of Hep-G2/ECV304. Angiogenesis gene production in the coculture clusteroids was enhanced with VEGF, urea, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein along with angiogenesis-related marker CD34 levels, also indicating angiogenesis progress. Our aqueous two-phase Pickering emulsion templates provided a convenient approach to vascularize a target cell type in 3D cell coculture without additional stimulating factors, which could potentially apply to either cell lines or biopsy tissues, expanding the clusteroids downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Hull HU67RX, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh A Madden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU67RX, United Kingdom
| | - Vesselin N Paunov
- Department of Chemistry, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Nursultan 010000, Kazakhstan
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7
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Vakhrushev IV, Nezhurina EK, Karalkin PA, Tsvetkova AV, Sergeeva NS, Majouga AG, Yarygin KN. Heterotypic Multicellular Spheroids as Experimental and Preclinical Models of Sprouting Angiogenesis. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:18. [PMID: 35053016 PMCID: PMC8772844 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sprouting angiogenesis is the common response of live tissues to physiological and pathological angiogenic stimuli. Its accurate evaluation is of utmost importance for basic research and practical medicine and pharmacology and requires adequate experimental models. A variety of assays for angiogenesis were developed, none of them perfect. In vitro approaches are generally less physiologically relevant due to the omission of essential components regulating the process. However, only in vitro models can be entirely non-xenogeneic. The limitations of the in vitro angiogenesis assays can be partially overcome using 3D models mimicking tissue O2 and nutrient gradients, the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and enabling cell-cell interactions. Here we present a review of the existing models of sprouting angiogenesis that are based on the use of endothelial cells (ECs) co-cultured with perivascular or other stromal cells. This approach provides an excellent in vitro platform for further decoding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sprouting angiogenesis under conditions close to the in vivo conditions, as well as for preclinical drug testing and preclinical research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V. Vakhrushev
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elizaveta K. Nezhurina
- P.A. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Center, National Medical Research Radiological Center, 125284 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel A. Karalkin
- Institute for Cluster Oncology, Sechenov University, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | | | - Nataliya S. Sergeeva
- Department of Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander G. Majouga
- Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biomedical Products, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Yarygin
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
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8
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Große-Segerath L, Lammert E. Role of vasodilation in liver regeneration and health. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1009-1019. [PMID: 33908220 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have shown that an enhanced blood flow through the liver triggers hepatocyte proliferation and thereby liver growth. In this review, we first explain the literature on hepatic blood flow and its changes after partial hepatectomy (PHx), before we present the different steps of liver regeneration that take place right after the initial hemodynamic changes induced by PHx. Those parts of the molecular mechanisms governing liver regeneration, which are directly associated with the hepatic vascular system, are subsequently reviewed. These include β1 integrin-dependent mechanotransduction in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), triggering mechanically-induced activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) as well as release of growth-promoting angiocrine signals. Finally, we speculate how advanced age and obesity negatively affect the hepatic vasculature and thus liver regeneration and health, and we conclude our review with some recent technical progress in the clinic that employs liver perfusion. In sum, the mechano-elastic properties and alterations of the hepatic vasculature are key to better understand and influence liver health, regeneration, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Große-Segerath
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Lammert
- Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Vascular and Islet Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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9
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Zhang L, Yao J, Yao Y, Boström KI. Contributions of the Endothelium to Vascular Calcification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:620882. [PMID: 34079793 PMCID: PMC8165270 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.620882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) increases morbidity and mortality and constitutes a significant obstacle during percutaneous interventions and surgeries. On a cellular and molecular level, VC is a highly regulated process that involves abnormal cell transitions and osteogenic differentiation, re-purposing of signaling pathways normally used in bone, and even formation of osteoclast-like cells. Endothelial cells have been shown to contribute to VC through a variety of means. This includes direct contributions of osteoprogenitor cells generated through endothelial-mesenchymal transitions in activated endothelium, with subsequent migration into the vessel wall. The endothelium also secretes pro-osteogenic growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, inflammatory mediators and cytokines in conditions like hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and renal failure. High phosphate levels caused by renal disease have deleterious effects on the endothelium, and induction of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase adds to the calcific process. Furthermore, endothelial activation promotes proteolytic destruction of the internal elastic lamina that serves, among other things, as a stabilizer of the endothelium. Appropriate bone mineralization is highly dependent on active angiogenesis, but it is unclear whether the same relationship exists in VC. Through its location facing the vascular lumen, the endothelium is the first to encounter circulating factor and bone marrow-derived cells that might contribute to osteoclast-like versus osteoblast-like cells in the vascular wall. In the same way, the endothelium may be the easiest target to reach with treatments aimed at limiting calcification. This review provides a brief summary of the contributions of the endothelium to VC as we currently know them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jiayi Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kristina I. Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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10
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Marvin DL, Heijboer R, ten Dijke P, Ritsma L. TGF-β signaling in liver metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e160. [PMID: 33252863 PMCID: PMC7701955 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of liver metastases drastically worsens the prognosis of cancer patients. The liver is the second most prevalent metastatic site in cancer patients, but systemic therapeutic opportunities that target liver metastases are still limited. To aid the discovery of novel treatment options for metastatic liver disease, we provide insight into the cellular and molecular steps required for liver colonization. For successful colonization in the liver, adaptation of tumor cells and surrounding stroma is essential. This includes the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, the creation of a fibrotic and immune suppressive environment, angiogenesis, and adaptation of tumor cells. We illustrate that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a central cytokine in all these processes. At last, we devise that future research should focus on TGF-β inhibitory strategies, especially in combination with immunotherapy. This promising systemic treatment strategy has potential to eliminate distant metastases as the efficacy of immunotherapy will be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke L Marvin
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rosan Heijboer
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Laila Ritsma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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11
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El-Kenawi A, Hänggi K, Ruffell B. The Immune Microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037424. [PMID: 31501262 PMCID: PMC7117953 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between neoplastic cells and the immune microenvironment regulates every step of the metastatic process. Immune cells contribute to invasion by secreting a cornucopia of inflammatory factors that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and remodeling of the stroma. Cancer cells then intravasate to the circulatory system assisted by macrophages and use several pathways to avoid recognition by cytotoxtic lymphocytes and phagocytes. Circulating tumor cells that manage to adhere to the vasculature and encounter premetastic niches are able to use the associated myeloid cells to extravasate into ectopic organs and establish a dormant microscopic colony. If successful at avoiding repetitive immune attack, dormant cells can subsequently grow into overt, clinically detectable metastatic lesions, which ultimately account to most cancer-related deaths. Understanding how disseminated tumor cells evade and corrupt the immune system during the final stages of metastasis will be pivotal in developing new therapeutic modalities that combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa El-Kenawi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Kay Hänggi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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12
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Intercellular crosstalk of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: New insights into therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104720. [PMID: 32092405 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing process characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix. There is no efficient antifibrotic therapy other than liver transplantation to date. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of matrix-producing myofibroblasts, playing a central role in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Paracrine signals from resident and inflammatory cells such as hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic macrophages, natural killer/natural killer T cells, biliary epithelial cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and platelets can directly or indirectly regulate HSC differentiation and activation. Intercellular crosstalk between HSCs and those "responded" cells has been a critical event involved in HSC activation and fibrogenesis. This review summarizes recent advancement regarding intercellular communication between HSCs and other "responded cells" during liver fibrosis and experimental models of intercellular crosstalk systems, and provides novel ideas for potential antifibrotic therapeutic strategy.
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13
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Liu Z, Chen M, Zhao R, Huang Y, Liu F, Li B, Qin Y. CAF-induced placental growth factor facilitates neoangiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:18-25. [PMID: 31828297 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a highly malignant tumor, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In most HCC patients, the development of HCC begins with hepatitis, which is followed by fibrosis and cirrhosis before progressing to HCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are generally believed to be derived from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are highly involved in the development of HCC through the secretion of cytokines and angiogenic factors. The results of our study showed that a considerable number of CAFs highly expressed CD90 and were enriched in HCC tissues. Bioinformatics analysis of the transcriptome of HCC tissues revealed that placental growth factor (PlGF) is significantly correlated with CD90 expression. The isolated primary CAFs and activated HSCs overexpressed PlGF and CD90. In addition, the results of gene expression profiling interactive analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas showed that high levels of both PlGF and CD90 are correlated with tumor angiogenesis markers (CD31, CD34, and CD105) and predict poor HCC patient prognosis. In summary, our results suggest that CAFs can generate PlGF and may provide an effective target for CAFs-regulated neoangiogenesis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingmei Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rongce Zhao
- Division of Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Division of Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Li
- Division of Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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14
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Han W, Duan Z. Different drug metabolism behavior between species in drug-induced hepatotoxicity: limitations and novel resolutions. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1639060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Han
- Difficult and Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Difficult and Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China
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15
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The Role of Fibrosis and Liver-Associated Fibroblasts in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019. [PMID: 30959975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071723.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Most HCC develops in the setting of chronic liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, respectively. CAFs, which probably derive from HSCs, activate into extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts and crosstalk with cancer cells to affect tumor growth and invasion. In this review, we describe the different components which form the HCC premalignant microenvironment (PME) and the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the liver fibrosis process and the biology of CAFs. We will describe the CAF-dependent mechanisms which have been suggested to promote hepatocarcinogenesis, such as the alteration of ECM, CAF-dependent production of cytokines and angiogenic factors, CAF-dependent reduction of immuno-surveillance, and CAF-dependent promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). New knowledge of the fibrosis process and the role of CAFs in HCC may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies for liver cancer.
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16
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Baglieri J, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. The Role of Fibrosis and Liver-Associated Fibroblasts in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071723. [PMID: 30959975 PMCID: PMC6479943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Most HCC develops in the setting of chronic liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, respectively. CAFs, which probably derive from HSCs, activate into extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts and crosstalk with cancer cells to affect tumor growth and invasion. In this review, we describe the different components which form the HCC premalignant microenvironment (PME) and the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the liver fibrosis process and the biology of CAFs. We will describe the CAF-dependent mechanisms which have been suggested to promote hepatocarcinogenesis, such as the alteration of ECM, CAF-dependent production of cytokines and angiogenic factors, CAF-dependent reduction of immuno-surveillance, and CAF-dependent promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). New knowledge of the fibrosis process and the role of CAFs in HCC may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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17
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Multi-cellular transitional organotypic models to investigate liver fibrosis. Acta Biomater 2018; 82:79-92. [PMID: 30316024 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the result of wound healing and inflammation resulting in organ dysfunction. Hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play critical roles in fibrogenesis. As the liver undergoes fibrosis, there are populations of cells that are healthy, fibrotic as well as those undergoing fibrosis. We investigated how a varying mechanical environment could induce changes in hepatic cells. In this study, a gradient in the mechanical properties of the microenvironment resulted in transitioning phenotypes in hepatic cells. We have designed detachable polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) whose elastic moduli ranged from 21 to 43 kPa to serve as Space of Disse mimics. We assembled novel 3D organotypic liver models comprised of hepatocytes, LSECs, HSCs, KCs, and the Space of Disse mimic. We demonstrate how cells in contact with a mechanical gradient exhibit different properties compared to cells cultured using non-gradient PEMs. Significant differences were observed in HSC and KC proliferation between 3D cultures assembled with gradient and non-gradient PEMs. While HSCs on the stiffer regions of the gradient PEMs expressed both GFAP and α-SMA, cells in cultures assembled with homogeneous 43 kPa multilayers primarily expressed α-SMA. Over an 8-day culture, the elastic modulus in the 21 and 43 kPa regions of the gradient PEMs increased by 1.6 and 3.7-fold, respectively. This was accompanied by a 4-fold increase in hydroxyproline. Such in vitro tissues can be used to investigate the effects of liver fibrosis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have assembled a liver model assembled with four major primary hepatic cell types to investigate how a varying mechanical environment induces changes in hepatic cells. In this study, a gradient in the mechanical properties of the microenvironment results in transitioning phenotypes in hepatic cells. Our goal was to investigate the interplay between mechanical properties and a multi-cellular engineered liver tissue. In these models, Kupffer cell proliferation and hepatic stellate cell activation occurred due to mechanical cues and inter-cellular signaling across a distance of 2000 μm. These models are unique, in that, fibrosis was initiated purely through changes to the microenvironment. These models were not exposed to fibrogenic factors nor were the models assembled with cells from fibrotic rats. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first liver models that capture how a gradient microenvironment can result in transitioning cellular phenotypes.
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Arellanes-Robledo J, Reyes-Gordillo K, Ibrahim J, Leckey L, Shah R, Lakshman MR. Ethanol targets nucleoredoxin/dishevelled interactions and stimulates phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate production in vivo and in vitro. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 156:135-146. [PMID: 30125555 PMCID: PMC6297114 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoredoxin (NXN) is a redox-regulating protein potentially targeted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It regulates molecular pathways that participate in several key cellular processes. However, the role of NXN in the alcohol liver disease (ALD) redox regulation has not been fully understood. Here, we investigated the effects of ethanol and ethanol plus lipopolysaccharide, a two-hit liver injury model (Ethanol/LPS), on NXN/dishevelled (DVL) interaction and on DVL-dependent phosphoinositides production both in mouse liver and in a co-culture system consisting of human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and ethanol metabolizing-VL17A human hepatocyte cells. Ethanol and two-hit model increased Nxn protein and mRNA expression, and 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Two-hit model promoted Nxn nuclear translocation and Dvl/Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type-IIα (Pi4k2a) interaction ratio but surprisingly decreased Dvl protein and mRNA levels and reverted ethanol-induced Nxn/Dvl and Dvl/frizzled (Fzd) interaction ratios. Ethanol resulted in a significant increase of Dvl protein and mRNA expression, and decreased Nxn/Dvl interaction ratio but promoted the interaction of Dvl with Fzd and Pi4k2a; formation of this complex induced phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] production. Ethanol and LPS treatments provoked similar alterations on NXN/DVL interaction and its downstream effect in HSC/VL17A co-culture system. Interestingly, ROS and glutathione levels as well as most of ethanol-induced alterations were modified by NXN overexpression in the co-culture system. In conclusion, two-hit model of ethanol exposure disrupts NXN/DVL homeostatic status to allow DVL/FZD/PI4K2A complex formation and stimulates PI(4)P production. These results provide a new mechanism showing that NXN also participates in the regulation of phosphoinositides production that is altered by ethanol during alcoholic liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA; Laboratory of Hepatic Diseases, National Institute of Genomic Medicine - INMEGEN, CDMX, Mexico; National Council of Science and Technology - CONACYT, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Karina Reyes-Gordillo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Joseph Ibrahim
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Leslie Leckey
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - M Raj Lakshman
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA
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Upregulation of the actin cytoskeleton via myocardin leads to increased expression of type 1 collagen. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1412-1426. [PMID: 29035375 PMCID: PMC6437559 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a model wound healing system, is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver. Although many fibrogenic cell types may express ECM, the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is currently considered to be the major effector. HSCs transform into myofibroblast-like cells, also known as hepatic myofibroblasts in a process known as activation; this process is characterized in particular by de novo expression of smooth muscle alpha actin (SM α-actin) and type 1 collagen. The family of actins, which form the cell's cytoskeleton, are essential in many cellular processes. β-actin and cytoplasmic γ-actin (γ-actin) are ubiquitously expressed, whereas SM α-actin defines smooth muscle cell and myofibroblast phenotypes. Thus, SM α-actin is tightly associated with multiple functional properties. However, the regulatory mechanisms by which actin isoforms might regulate type 1 collagen remain unclear. In primary HSCs from normal and fibrotic rat liver, we demonstrate that myocardin, a canonical SRF cofactor, is upregulated in hepatic myofibroblasts and differentially regulates SM α-actin, γ-actin, and β-actins through activation of an ATTA box in the SM α-actin and a CCAAT box in γ-actin and β-actin promoters, respectively; moreover, myocardin differentially activated serum response factor (SRF) in CArG boxes of actin promoters. In addition, myocardin-stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation and RhoA expression, leading to increased expression of type 1 collagen in an actin cytoskeleton-dependent manner. Myocardin also directly enhanced SRF expression and stimulated collagen 1α1 and 1α2 promoter activities. In addition, overexpression of myocardin in vivo during carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury led to increased HSC activation and fibrogenesis. In summary, our data suggest that myocardin plays a critical role in actin cytoskeletal dynamics during HSC activation, in turn, specifically regulating type I collagen expression in hepatic myofibroblasts.
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20
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Spheroids as vascularization units: From angiogenesis research to tissue engineering applications. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:782-791. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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21
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Salas-Villalobos T, Lozano-Sepúlveda S, Rincón-Sánchez A, Govea-Salas M, Rivas-Estilla A. Mechanisms involved in liver damage resolution after hepatitis C virus clearance. MEDICINA UNIVERSITARIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmu.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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22
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Tumor Microenvironment, a Paradigm in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017. [PMID: 28216578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020405.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal and prevalent cancers in the human population. Different etiological factors such as hepatitis B and C virus, alcohol and diabetes cause liver injury followed by inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes proliferation. Continuous cycles of this destructive-regenerative process culminates in liver cirrhosis which is characterized by regenerating nodules that progress to dysplastic nodules and ultimately HCC. Despite its significance, there is only an elemental understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms, and there are only limited therapeutic options. Therefore, the study of the involved molecular mechanisms can open a new insight to define more effective treatment strategies. A variety of alterations have been reported in HCC patients, particularly the cancer-associated microenvironment components including immune cells, fibroblast cells, endothelial cells and extracellular matrix can support the neoplastic cells to proliferate, growth and invade. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and highlights the principal challenges that are relevant to controlling this milieu.
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Tahmasebi Birgani M, Carloni V. Tumor Microenvironment, a Paradigm in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020405. [PMID: 28216578 PMCID: PMC5343939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal and prevalent cancers in the human population. Different etiological factors such as hepatitis B and C virus, alcohol and diabetes cause liver injury followed by inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes proliferation. Continuous cycles of this destructive–regenerative process culminates in liver cirrhosis which is characterized by regenerating nodules that progress to dysplastic nodules and ultimately HCC. Despite its significance, there is only an elemental understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms, and there are only limited therapeutic options. Therefore, the study of the involved molecular mechanisms can open a new insight to define more effective treatment strategies. A variety of alterations have been reported in HCC patients, particularly the cancer-associated microenvironment components including immune cells, fibroblast cells, endothelial cells and extracellular matrix can support the neoplastic cells to proliferate, growth and invade. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and highlights the principal challenges that are relevant to controlling this milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tahmasebi Birgani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 63461, Iran.
| | - Vinicio Carloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy.
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24
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Affo S, Yu LX, Schwabe RF. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Fibrosis in Liver Cancer. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2016; 12:153-186. [PMID: 27959632 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-052016-100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 429] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. Because of the wide landscape of genomic alterations and limited therapeutic success of targeting tumor cells, a recent focus has been on better understanding and possibly targeting the microenvironment in which liver tumors develop. A unique feature of liver cancer is its close association with liver fibrosis. More than 80% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) develop in fibrotic or cirrhotic livers, suggesting an important role of liver fibrosis in the premalignant environment (PME) of the liver. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), in contrast, is characterized by a strong desmoplasia that typically occurs in response to the tumor, suggesting a key role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and fibrosis in its tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we discuss the functional contributions of myofibroblasts, CAFs, and fibrosis to the development of HCC and CCA in the hepatic PME and TME, focusing on myofibroblast- and extracellular matrix-associated growth factors, fibrosis-associated immunosuppressive pathways, as well as mechanosensitive signaling cascades that are activated by increased tissue stiffness. Better understanding of the role of myofibroblasts in HCC and CCA development and progression may provide the basis to target these cells for tumor prevention or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affo
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032;
| | - Le-Xing Yu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032;
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032;
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25
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Zakaria S, Mahmoud AA, Hasan RA, Mahmoud MF, El Fayoumi HM. Cinnamaldehyde Mitigates Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats Through Inhibition of Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway. INT J PHARMACOL 2016. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2016.851.862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Clark AM, Ma B, Taylor DL, Griffith L, Wells A. Liver metastases: Microenvironments and ex-vivo models. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:1639-52. [PMID: 27390264 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216658144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a highly metastasis-permissive organ, tumor seeding of which usually portends mortality. Its unique and diverse architectural and cellular composition enable the liver to undertake numerous specialized functions, however, this distinctive biology, notably its hemodynamic features and unique microenvironment, renders the liver intrinsically hospitable to disseminated tumor cells. The particular focus for this perspective is the bidirectional interactions between the disseminated tumor cells and the unique resident cell populations of the liver; notably, parenchymal hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver sinusoidal endothelial, Kupffer, and hepatic stellate cells. Understanding the early steps in the metastatic seeding, including the decision to undergo dormancy versus outgrowth, has been difficult to study in 2D culture systems and animals due to numerous limitations. In response, tissue-engineered biomimetic systems have emerged. At the cutting-edge of these developments are ex vivo 'microphysiological systems' (MPS) which are cellular constructs designed to faithfully recapitulate the structure and function of a human organ or organ regions on a milli- to micro-scale level and can be made all human to maintain species-specific interactions. Hepatic MPSs are particularly attractive for studying metastases as in addition to the liver being a main site of metastatic seeding, it is also the principal site of drug metabolism and therapy-limiting toxicities. Thus, using these hepatic MPSs will enable not only an enhanced understanding of the fundamental aspects of metastasis but also allow for therapeutic agents to be fully studied for efficacy while also monitoring pharmacologic aspects and predicting toxicities. The review discusses some of the hepatic MPS models currently available and although only one MPS has been validated to relevantly modeling metastasis, it is anticipated that the adaptation of the other hepatic models to include tumors will not be long in coming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Clark
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bo Ma
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - D Lansing Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Linda Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
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27
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Kim JC, Ha YJ, Tak KH, Roh SA, Kim CW, Kim TW, Kim SK, Kim SY, Cho DH, Kim YS. Complex Behavior of ALDH1A1 and IGFBP1 in Liver Metastasis from a Colorectal Cancer. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155160. [PMID: 27152521 PMCID: PMC4859559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Using our data set (GSE50760) previously established by RNA sequencing, the present study aimed to identify upregulated genes associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis (CLM) and verify their biological behavior. The potential roles of candidate genes in tumors were assessed using cell proliferation and invasion assays. Tissue samples were collected from 18 CRC patients with synchronous CLM and two CRC cell lines (SW480 and SW620) were used for transfection and cloning. The roles of the genes identified in CLM were verified using immunohistochemistry in 48 nude mice after intrasplenic transplantation of CRC cells. mRNA and protein expression was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Nine genes were initially selected according to the relevance of their molecular function and biological process and, finally, ALDH1A1 and IGFBP1 were chosen based on differential mRNA expression and a positive correlation with protein expression. The overexpression of ALDH1A1 and IGFBP1 significantly and time-dependently decreased cell proliferation (p ≤ 0.001–0.003) and suppressed invasiveness by ≥3-fold over control cells (p < 0.001) in the SW480 cell line, whereas they had a slight effect on reducing SW620 cell proliferation. The protein expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, claudin-1, and vimentin were significantly higher in CLM than in primary tumor tissues (p < 0.05). However, the cadherin switch, namely, N-cadherin overexpression with reduced E-cadherin expression, was not observed in CLM tissues and transfected CRC cells. Irrespective of reduced proliferation and invasion found on in vitro cell assays, persistent overexpression of β-catenin, vimentin, and ZO-1 in IGFBP1-overexpressing SW480 cells possibly contributed to CLM development in mice implanted with IGFBP1-overexpressing SW480 cells (CLM occurrences: SW480/IGFBP1-transfected mice vs. SW480/vector- and SW480/ALDH1A1-transfected mice, 4/8 vs. 0/10, p = 0.023). In conclusion, ALDH1A1 and IGFBP1 are differentially overexpressed in CLM and may play a dual role, functioning as both tumor suppressors and metastasis promoters in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheon Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (JCK); (DHC); (YSK)
| | - Ye Jin Ha
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ka Hee Tak
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seon Ae Roh
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Wook Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- * E-mail: (JCK); (DHC); (YSK)
| | - Yong Sung Kim
- Institute of Innovative Cancer Research, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- * E-mail: (JCK); (DHC); (YSK)
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28
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The bovine placenta in vivo and in vitro. Theriogenology 2016; 86:306-12. [PMID: 27155733 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The gross anatomic features (cotyledonary type) and histologic classification (synepitheliochorial) of the bovine placenta have been known for many years. Thorough ultrastructural analysis as well as a variety of descriptive studies dealing with the localization of cytoskeletal filaments, extracellular matrix, growth factor systems, steroid hormone receptors, and major histocompatibility complex have contributed further significant knowledge. However, this knowledge was not sufficient to solve clinical placenta-based problems, such as retained fetal membranes. Owing to the complexity of the fetomaternal interface in vitro, culture systems have been developed. As trophoblast giant cells (TGC) are thought to be key players in the cattle placenta, most cell culture models attempt to overcome the pitfall of losing the entire TGC population in vitro. Nevertheless, distinct cell line-based in vitro systems such as cell monolayers or 3-dimensional (co-culture) spheroids were generated for the fetal (trophoblast) and maternal (uterine epithelium) placental compartments. Monolayers have been used to study for example, growth factor or hormonal signaling and TGC formation, whereas spheroids served as models for, for example, trophoblast attachment, uterine epithelium depolarization, and also TGC formation. In the future, the use of more improved culture models might lead to better treatments of retained fetal membranes and increased prevention of embryonic loss. In addition, the in vitro models could shed more light on the mechanisms of the differentiation of uninucleate trophoblast into TGC.
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Jennewein M, Bubel M, Guthörl S, Metzger W, Weigert M, Pohlemann T, Oberringer M. Two- and three-dimensional co-culture models of soft tissue healing: pericyte-endothelial cell interaction. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 365:279-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2391-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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30
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Schon HT, Bartneck M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Nattermann J, Lammers T, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Pharmacological Intervention in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 26941644 PMCID: PMC4764688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into contractile, matrix-producing myofibroblasts (MFBs) are central events in hepatic fibrogenesis. These processes are driven by autocrine- and paracrine-acting soluble factors (i.e., cytokines and chemokines). Proof-of-concept studies of the last decades have shown that both the deactivation and removal of hepatic MFBs as well as antagonizing profibrogenic factors are in principle suitable to attenuate ongoing hepatic fibrosis. Although several drugs show potent antifibrotic activities in experimental models of hepatic fibrosis, there is presently no effective pharmaceutical intervention specifically approved for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Pharmaceutical interventions are generally hampered by insufficient supply of drugs to the diseased liver tissue and/or by adverse effects as a result of affecting non-target cells. Therefore, targeted delivery systems that bind specifically to receptors solely expressed on activated HSCs or transdifferentiated MFBs and delivery systems that can improve drug distribution to the liver in general are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize current strategies for targeted delivery of drugs to the liver and in particular to pro-fibrogenic liver cells. The applicability and efficacy of sequestering molecules, selective protein carriers, lipid-based drug vehicles, viral vectors, transcriptional targeting approaches, therapeutic liver- and HSC-specific nanoparticles, and miRNA-based strategies are discussed. Some of these delivery systems that had already been successfully tested in experimental animal models of ongoing hepatic fibrogenesis are expected to translate into clinically useful therapeutics specifically targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Theo Schon
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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Yanguas SC, Cogliati B, Willebrords J, Maes M, Colle I, van den Bossche B, de Oliveira CPMS, Andraus W, Alves VAF, Leclercq I, Vinken M. Experimental models of liver fibrosis. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1025-1048. [PMID: 26047667 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a wound healing response to insults and as such affects the entire world population. In industrialized countries, the main causes of liver fibrosis include alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A central event in liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is triggered by a plethora of signaling pathways. Liver fibrosis can progress into more severe stages, known as cirrhosis, when liver acini are substituted by nodules, and further to hepatocellular carcinoma. Considerable efforts are currently devoted to liver fibrosis research, not only with the goal of further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive this disease, but equally in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used in the field of experimental liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bert van den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | | | - Wellington Andraus
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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32
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Thompson AI, Conroy KP, Henderson NC. Hepatic stellate cells: central modulators of hepatic carcinogenesis. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:63. [PMID: 26013123 PMCID: PMC4445994 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and is increasing in incidence. Currently, our therapeutic repertoire for the treatment of HCC is severely limited, and therefore effective new therapies are urgently required. Recently, there has been increasing interest focusing on the cellular and molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment. HCC represents a unique opportunity to study the relationship between a diseased stroma and promotion of carcinogenesis, as 90 % of HCCs arise in a cirrhotic liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of extracellular proteins during fibrogenesis, and may directly, or via secreted products, contribute to tumour initiation and progression. In this review we explore the complex cellular and molecular interplay between HSC biology and hepatocarcinogenesis. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which HSC modulate HCC growth, immune cell evasion and angiogenesis. This is followed by a discussion of recent progress in the field in understanding the mechanistic crosstalk between HSC and HCC, and the pathways that are potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, we summarise the exciting recent developments in strategies to target HSC specifically, and novel techniques to deliver pharmaceutical agents directly to HSC, potentially allowing tailored, cell-specific therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra I Thompson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kylie P Conroy
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Neil C Henderson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.
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Chitooligosaccharide Inhibits Scar Formation and Enhances Functional Recovery in a Mouse Model of Sciatic Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:2249-57. [PMID: 25972239 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9196-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Chitooligosaccharide (COS) has been shown to induce fibroblast apoptosis, indicating that it could be used as a material to inhibit scar formation. In the present study, we used a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury (SNI) to determine the role of COS in scar inhibition and functional recovery. The animals were divided into three groups: SNI, SNI + vehicle, and SNI + COS group. We performed a series of functional and histological examinations at ctrl, 0 min, 14 days, and 42 days, including behavioral recovery, percentage of regenerating axons, degree of scar formation, vascular changes, type I and type III collagen ratio, and percentage of demyelinated axons. The SNI + COS group exhibited better recovery of sensory and motor function and less scar formation. Two-photon microscopy showed that the percentage of regenerating axons was highest in the SNI + COS group at 14 and 42 days. Our results suggested that COS can inhibit scar formation and enhance functional recovery by inducing fibroblast death, altering the proportion of different vascular diameters, changing the ratio of type I/type III collagen, and reducing the percentage of demyelinated axons. COS might be a useful drug in the treatment of SNI to reduce scar formation, but additional research is required to clarify the relevant molecular pathways.
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Leung BM, Lesher-Perez SC, Matsuoka T, Moraes C, Takayama S. Media additives to promote spheroid circularity and compactness in hanging drop platform. Biomater Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00319e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional spheroid cultures have become increasingly popular as drug screening platforms, especially with the advent of different high throughput spheroid forming technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan M. Leung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Biointerfaces Institute
- University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor
- USA
| | - Sasha Cai Lesher-Perez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Biointerfaces Institute
- University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor
- USA
| | - Toshiki Matsuoka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Biointerfaces Institute
- University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor
- USA
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Biointerfaces Institute
- University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor
- USA
| | - Shuichi Takayama
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Biointerfaces Institute
- University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor
- USA
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Eveno C, Hainaud P, Rampanou A, Bonnin P, Bakhouche S, Dupuy E, Contreres JO, Pocard M. Proof of prometastatic niche induction by hepatic stellate cells. J Surg Res 2014; 194:496-504. [PMID: 25528682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An interaction between tumor cells and the microenvironment, as well as the development of angiogenesis, are required to form liver metastases (LMs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunofluorescence detection of α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, Ki67, laminin, and CD31 was used to analyze the kinetics of tumor angiogenesis determinants, especially the contribution of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to angiogenesis in hepatic metastasis produced by intrasplenically injected LS174 colorectal cancer cells. Immunostaining was performed at various times (days 9, 14, 28, and 39). RESULTS At the earliest stage, micrometastases consisted of proliferating cancer cells, a well-organized network of activated HSCs and laminin deposits. No vascular network was observed. As the LMs grew in size, an organized vascular network appeared; the laminin network colocalized with CD31 immunostaining. At the later stages, all the immunostained markers became peripheral as a central necrosis developed. Purified activated HSCs isolated from transgenic mice livers developing hepatocellular carcinoma secreted laminin and showed enhanced human umbilical vein EC network formation in a Matrigel assay. In a coinjection LM experiment, activated HSCs enhanced the metastatic process. Moreover, colorectal LMs from six patients were analyzed, and a pattern of marker distribution similar to the coinjection experiment was found in human LMs. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, our results show that HSCs play a crucial role in organizing and accelerating the progression of metastasis in modulating the prometastatic niche, interacting with colorectal cancer cell recruitment, and the organization of angiogenesis during colorectal LM development. Therefore, HSCs may be an early therapeutic target in colorectal cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Eveno
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Chirurgie Digestive, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Hainaud
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Aurore Rampanou
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bonnin
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Physiologie Clinique Explorations Fonctionnelles, Paris, France
| | - Sana Bakhouche
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Evelyne Dupuy
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Olivier Contreres
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Marc Pocard
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U965, Angiogenèse et recherche translationnelle, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Chirurgie Digestive, Paris, France.
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Paschos KA, Majeed AW, Bird NC. Natural history of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer - pathobiological pathways with clinical significance. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:3719-3737. [PMID: 24744570 PMCID: PMC3983432 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.3719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer hepatic metastases represent the final stage of a multi-step biological process. This process starts with a series of mutations in colonic epithelial cells, continues with their detachment from the large intestine, dissemination through the blood and/or lymphatic circulation, attachment to the hepatic sinusoids and interactions with the sinusoidal cells, such as sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells and pit cells. The metastatic sequence terminates with colorectal cancer cell invasion, adaptation and colonisation of the hepatic parenchyma. All these events, termed the colorectal cancer invasion-metastasis cascade, include multiple molecular pathways, intercellular interactions and expression of a plethora of chemokines and growth factors, and adhesion molecules, such as the selectins, the integrins or the cadherins, as well as enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases. This review aims to present recent advances that provide insights into these cell-biological events and emphasizes those that may be amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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37
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Astashkina A, Grainger DW. Critical analysis of 3-D organoid in vitro cell culture models for high-throughput drug candidate toxicity assessments. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:1-18. [PMID: 24613390 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug failure due to toxicity indicators remains among the primary reasons for staggering drug attrition rates during clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance. Broader validation and use of next-generation 3-D improved cell culture models are expected to improve predictive power and effectiveness of drug toxicological predictions. However, after decades of promising research significant gaps remain in our collective ability to extract quality human toxicity information from in vitro data using 3-D cell and tissue models. Issues, challenges and future directions for the field to improve drug assay predictive power and reliability of 3-D models are reviewed.
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Abstract
RATIONALE Vascular calcification is a regulated process that involves osteoprogenitor cells and frequently complicates common vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis and diabetic vasculopathy. However, it is not clear whether the vascular endothelium has a role in contributing osteoprogenitor cells to the calcific lesions. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the vascular endothelium contributes osteoprogenitor cells to vascular calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we use 2 mouse models of vascular calcification, mice with gene deletion of matrix Gla protein, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-inhibitor, and Ins2Akita/+ mice, a diabetes model. We show that enhanced BMP signaling in both types of mice stimulates the vascular endothelium to contribute osteoprogenitor cells to the vascular calcification. The enhanced BMP signaling results in endothelial-mesenchymal transitions and the emergence of multipotent cells, followed by osteoinduction. Endothelial markers colocalize with multipotent and osteogenic markers in calcified arteries by immunostaining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Lineage tracing using Tie2-Gfp transgenic mice supports an endothelial origin of the osteogenic cells. Enhancement of matrix Gla protein expression in Ins2Akita/+ mice, as mediated by an Mgp transgene, limits the generation of multipotent cells. Moreover, matrix Gla protein-depleted human aortic endothelial cells in vitro acquire multipotency rendering the cells susceptible to osteoinduction by BMP and high glucose. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the endothelium is a source of osteoprogenitor cells in vascular calcification that occurs in disorders with high BMP activation, such as deficiency of BMP-inhibitors and diabetes mellitus.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta/cytology
- Calcinosis/physiopathology
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/deficiency
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Cell Lineage
- Cell Transdifferentiation/physiology
- Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetic Angiopathies/genetics
- Diabetic Angiopathies/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/deficiency
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/physiology
- Glucose/pharmacology
- Heterozygote
- Humans
- Insulin/genetics
- Insulin/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microfilament Proteins/physiology
- Multipotent Stem Cells/pathology
- Muscle Proteins/physiology
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- Receptor, TIE-2/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/physiology
- Signal Transduction
- Vascular Diseases/physiopathology
- Matrix Gla Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
| | - Medet Jumabay
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
| | - Albert Ly
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
| | - Melina Radparvar
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
| | - Mark R. Cubberly
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
| | - Kristina I. Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA
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Xu XN, Xiao YS, Fan J. Hepatic stellate cells and metastatic liver neoplasms. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2013; 21:873-879. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v21.i10.873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were first described in the 19th century as a type of multi-functional mesenchymal cells. They are considered as the component of liver microenvironment because of their capacity to differentiate into myofibroblasts which are highly proliferative and have collagen secretion capacity. This paper reviews the interactions between tumor cells and HSCs in liver microenvironment and discusses mechanisms by which tumor-derived factors activate HSCs, and in turn, activated HSC promotes metastatic tumor growth. The interactions between tumor cells and HSCs in liver microenvironment can be regarded as an "amplification loop". The activation of HSCs is a complex process that is regulated by multiple pathways, such as the transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor signaling pathways. HSCs provide a possible therapeutic target for liver metastases to effectively increase the survival of patients.
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40
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Van den Eynden GG, Majeed AW, Illemann M, Vermeulen PB, Bird NC, Høyer-Hansen G, Eefsen RL, Reynolds AR, Brodt P. The multifaceted role of the microenvironment in liver metastasis: biology and clinical implications. Cancer Res 2013; 73:2031-43. [PMID: 23536564 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The liver is host to many metastatic cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, for which the last 2 decades have seen major advances in diagnosis and treatment. The liver is a vital organ, and the extent of its involvement with metastatic disease is a major determinant of survival. Metastatic cells arriving in the liver via the bloodstream encounter the microenvironment of the hepatic sinusoid. The interactions of the tumor cells with hepatic sinusoidal and extrasinusoidal cells (endothelial, Kupffer, stellate, and inflammatory cells) determine their fate. The sinusoidal cells can have a dual role, sometimes fatal to the tumor cells but also facilitatory to their survival and growth. Adhesion molecules participate in these interactions and may affect their outcome. Bone marrow-derived cells and chemokines also play a part in the early battle for survival of the metastases. Once the tumor cells have arrested and survived the initial onslaught, tumors can grow within the liver in 3 distinct patterns, reflecting differing host responses, mechanisms of vascularization, and proteolytic activity. This review aims to present current knowledge of the interactions between the host liver cells and the invading metastases that has implications for the clinical course of the disease and the response to treatment.
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Kasuya J, Sudo R, Masuda G, Mitaka T, Ikeda M, Tanishita K. Reconstruction of hepatic stellate cell-incorporated liver capillary structures in small hepatocyte tri-culture using microporous membranes. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2012; 9:247-56. [PMID: 23086892 DOI: 10.1002/term.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In liver sinusoids, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) locate the outer surface of microvessels to form a functional unit with endothelia and hepatocytes. To reconstruct functional liver tissue in vitro, formation of the HSC-incorporated sinusoidal structure is essential. We previously demonstrated capillary formation of endothelial cells (ECs) in tri-culture, where a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microporous membrane was intercalated between the ECs and hepatic organoids composed of small hepatocytes (SHs), i.e. hepatic progenitor cells, and HSCs. However, the high thickness and low porosity of the membranes limited heterotypic cell-cell interactions, which are essential to form HSC-EC hybrid structures. Here, we focused on the effective use of the thin and highly porous poly( d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microporous membranes in SH-HSC-EC tri-culture to reconstruct the HSC-incorporated liver capillary structures in vitro. First, the formation of EC capillary-like structures was induced on Matrigel-coated PLGA microporous membranes. Next, the membranes were stacked on hepatic organoids composed of small SHs and HSCs. When the pore size and porosity of the membranes were optimized, HSCs selectively migrated to the EC capillary-like structures. This process was mediated in part by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signalling. In addition, the HSCs were located along the outer surface of the EC capillary-like structures with their long cytoplasmic processes. In the HSC-incorporated capillary tissues, SHs acquired high levels of differentiated functions, compared to those without ECs. This model will provide a basis for the construction of functional, thick, vascularized liver tissues in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kasuya
- Centre for System Integration Engineering, School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-1-14-1 Kohoku, Yokohama, 223-0061, Japan
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Kasuya J, Tanishita K. Microporous membrane-based liver tissue engineering for the reconstruction of three-dimensional functional liver tissues in vitro. BIOMATTER 2012; 2:290-5. [PMID: 23507893 PMCID: PMC3568113 DOI: 10.4161/biom.22481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To meet the increasing demand for liver tissue engineering, various three-dimensional (3D) liver cell culture techniques have been developed. Nevertheless, conventional liver cell culture techniques involving the suspending cells in extracellular matrix (ECM) components and the seeding of cells into 3D biodegradable scaffolds have an intrinsic shortcoming, low cell-scaffold ratios. We have developed a microporous membrane-based liver cell culture technique. Cell behaviors and tissue organization can be controlled by membrane geometry, and cell-dense thick tissues can be reconstructed by layering cells cultured on biodegradable microporous membranes. Applications extend from liver parenchymal cell monoculture to multi-cell type cultures for the reconstruction of 3D functional liver tissue. This review focuses on the expanding role for microporous membranes in liver tissue engineering, primarily from our research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kasuya
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan.
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43
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Takabe Y, Yagi S, Koike T, Shiojiri N. Immunomagnetic exclusion of E-cadherin-positive hepatoblasts in fetal mouse liver cell cultures impairs morphogenesis and gene expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells. J Anat 2012; 221:229-39. [PMID: 22708553 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2012.01532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that various cell-cell interactions between hepatoblasts and nonparenchymal cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells and stellate cells, are indispensable for the development of fetal murine hepatic architecture. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of hepatoblasts on the sinusoidal structural formation using a culture system of fetal mouse livers. Primitive sinusoidal structures extensively developed in fetal livers, and were composed of LYVE-1- and PECAM-1-positive endothelial cells, desmin-positive stellate cells and F4/80-positive macrophages. When fetal liver cells at 12.5 days of gestation were cultured in vitro, hepatoblasts spread on glass slides and gave rise to hepatocytes on day 5. Desmin-positive stellate cells also spread on the glass slides. PECAM-1-positive endothelial cells became slender and developed into anastomosing capillary networks. When fetal liver cells were cultured without hepatoblasts, which were excluded by an immunomagnetic method using anti-E-cadherin antibodies, endothelial cells had impaired growth and capillary formation. These results demonstrated that capillary formation of endothelial cells was induced by the presence of hepatoblasts. VEGF and the conditioned medium containing humoral factors produced by hepatoblasts/hepatocytes did not induce capillary formation of endothelial cells in cultures of nonparenchymal cells, although they significantly increased the number of endothelial cells on the glass slides. The presence of hepatoblasts also significantly stimulated expression of CD32b mRNA, which is a sinusoidal endothelial marker. Hepatoblasts may work as a positive stimulator of sinusoid morphogenesis and maturation in liver development, in which a signal other than VEGF may play a decisive role, together with VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurie Takabe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka City, Japan
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Mormone E, Lu Y, Ge X, Fiel MI, Nieto N. Fibromodulin, an oxidative stress-sensitive proteoglycan, regulates the fibrogenic response to liver injury in mice. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:612-621.e5. [PMID: 22138190 PMCID: PMC3800000 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Collagen I deposition contributes to liver fibrosis, yet little is known about other factors that mediate this process. Fibromodulin is a liver proteoglycan that regulates extracellular matrix organization and is induced by fibrogenic stimuli. We propose that fibromodulin contributes to the pathogenesis of fibrosis by regulating the fibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS We analyzed liver samples from patients with hepatitis C-associated cirrhosis and healthy individuals (controls). We used a coculture model to study interactions among rat HSCs, hepatocytes, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. We induced fibrosis in livers of wild-type and Fmod(-/-) mice by bile duct ligation, injection of CCl(4), or administration of thioacetamide. RESULTS Liver samples from patients with cirrhosis had higher levels of fibromodulin messenger RNA and protein than controls. Bile duct ligation, CCl(4), and thioacetamide each increased levels of fibromodulin protein in wild-type mice. HSCs, hepatocytes, and sinusoidal endothelial cells produced and secreted fibromodulin. Infection of HSCs with an adenovirus that expressed fibromodulin increased expression of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin, indicating increased activation of HSCs and fibrogenic potential. Recombinant fibromodulin promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of HSCs, contributing to their fibrogenic activity. Fibromodulin was sensitive to reactive oxygen species. HepG2 cells that express cytochrome P450 2E1 produced fibromodulin, and HSCs increased fibromodulin production in response to pro-oxidants. In mice, administration of an antioxidant prevented the increase in fibromodulin in response to CCl(4). Coculture of hepatocytes or sinusoidal endothelial cells with HSCs increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in the culture medium, along with collagen I and fibromodulin proteins; this increase was prevented by catalase. Fibromodulin bound to collagen I, but the binding did not prevent collagen I degradation by matrix metalloproteinase 13. Bile duct ligation caused liver fibrosis in wild-type but not Fmod(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS Fibromodulin levels are increased in livers of patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic fibromodulin activates HSCs and promotes collagen I deposition, which leads to liver fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Mormone
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yongke Lu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Maria Isabel Fiel
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Kasuya J, Sudo R, Mitaka T, Ikeda M, Tanishita K. Spatio-temporal control of hepatic stellate cell-endothelial cell interactions for reconstruction of liver sinusoids in vitro. Tissue Eng Part A 2012; 18:1045-56. [PMID: 22220631 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2011.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularization of engineered tissues in vitro remains a major challenge in liver tissue engineering. Liver microvessels, termed liver sinusoids, have highly specialized structures, and recapturing these sinusoidal structures is essential for reconstruction of functional liver tissue in vitro. Liver sinusoids are composed of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and endothelial cells (ECs). Direct HSC-EC contacts are increasingly recognized for their roles in EC capillary morphogenesis. However, the hypothetical role of HSC-EC contacts in morphogenesis remains unclear in hepatocyte-HSC-EC triculture. In the present study, we first determined the effects of direct HSC-EC contacts on EC capillary morphogenesis using a hepatocyte-HSC-EC triculture model where HSC behavior was spatially controlled to achieve HSC-mediated proximal layers of hepatocytes and ECs. EC capillary morphogenesis was induced by overlaying Matrigel on an EC layer. Direct HSC-EC contacts inhibited EC capillary morphogenesis, suggesting that the HSC-EC contacts may be an important factor in capillary formation. We next tested the hypothesis that, in addition to spatial control, temporal control of HSC behavior is also important in achieving capillary morphogenesis in the triculture. ECs responded to the induction of capillary morphogenesis before the formation of direct HSC-EC contacts, while the ECs remained to form monolayers when capillary morphogenesis was induced after the HSC-EC contacts were established. When capillary morphogenesis was successfully achieved in the triculture, HSCs tended to preferably localize near the preformed capillary-like structures, resulting in the reconstruction of liver sinusoidal structures. In these structures, hepatocyte maturation was induced. Our findings indicate that control, both spatial and temporal, of HSC behavior is a key engineering strategy for the vascularization of engineered liver tissue in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kasuya
- Center for System Integration Engineering, School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were recently postulated as a component of the prometastatic liver microenvironment, because they can transdifferentiate into highly proliferative and motile myofibroblasts that are implicated in the desmoplastic reaction and metastatic growth. This review focuses on bidirectional interactions between tumor cells and HSCs in the liver microenvironment and discusses mechanisms whereby tumor-derived factors activate HSCs, and in turn, activated HSCs promote metastatic growth. Bidirectional interactions between tumors and HSCs may function as an "amplification loop" to further enhance metastatic growth in the liver. The activation of HSCs is a complex process regulated by multiple factors such as transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor signaling pathways, which may present as therapeutic targets in the prevention and treatment of liver metastases. CONCLUSION HSCs may present a new therapeutic target in the treatment of liver metastases. Targeting HSCs and/or myofibroblasts with transforming growth factor-β or platelet-derived growth factor antagonists in coordination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery may prove to be effective at reducing liver metastases and increasing the survival benefit of patients by targeting both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningling Kang
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | - Vijay Shah
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
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Moore CC, Lakner AM, Yengo CM, Schrum LW. Nonmuscle myosin II regulates migration but not contraction in rat hepatic stellate cells. World J Hepatol 2011; 3:184-97. [PMID: 21866250 PMCID: PMC3158907 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v3.i7.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify and characterize the function of nonmuscle myosin II (NMM II) isoforms in primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Primary HSCs were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats by pronase/collagenase digestion. Total RNA and protein were harvested from quiescent and culture-activated HSCs. NMM II isoform (II-A, II-B and II-C) gene and protein expression were measured by RealTime polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses respectively. NMM II protein localization was visualized in vitro using immunocytochemical analysis. For in vivo assessment, liver tissue was harvested from bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats and NMM IIisoform expression determined by immunohistochemistry. Using a selective myosin II inhibitor and siRNA-mediated knockdown of each isoform, NMM II functionality in primary rat HSCs was determined by contraction and migration assays. RESULTS NMM II-A and II-B mRNA expression was increased in culture-activated HSCs (Day 14) with significant increases seen in all pair-wise comparisons (II-A: 12.67 ± 0.99 (quiescent) vs 17.36 ± 0.78 (Day 14), P < 0.05; II-B: 4.94 ± 0.62 (quiescent) vs 13.90 ±0.85 (Day 14), P < 0.001). Protein expression exhibited similar expression patterns (II-A: 1.87 ± 2.50 (quiescent) vs 58.64 ± 8.76 (Day 14), P < 0.05; II-B: 1.17 ± 1.93 (quiescent) vs 103.71 ± 21.73 (Day 14), P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in NMM II-C mRNA and protein expression between quiescent and activated HSCs. In culture-activated HSCs, NMM II-A and II-B merged with F-actin at the cellular periphery and throughout cytoplasm respectively. In vitro studies showed increased expression of NMM II-B in HSCs activated by BDL compared to sham-operated animals. There were no apparent increases of NMM II-A and II-C protein expression in HSCs during hepatic BDL injury. To determine the contribution of NMM II-A and II-B to migration and contraction, NMM II-A and II-B expression were downregulated with siRNA. NMM II-A and/or II-B siRNA inhibited HSC migration by approximately 25% compared to scramble siRNA-treated cells. Conversely, siRNA-mediated NMM II-A and II-B inhibition had no significant effect on HSC contraction; however, contraction was inhibited with the myosin II inhibitor, blebbistatin (38.7% ± 1.9%). CONCLUSION Increased expression of NMM II-A and II-B regulates HSC migration, while other myosin IIclasses likely modulate contraction, contributing to development and severity of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy C Moore
- Cathy C Moore, Ashley M Lakner, Christopher M Yengo, Laura W Schrum, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, United States
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Kasuya J, Sudo R, Mitaka T, Ikeda M, Tanishita K. Hepatic stellate cell-mediated three-dimensional hepatocyte and endothelial cell triculture model. Tissue Eng Part A 2010; 17:361-70. [PMID: 20799907 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) form a functional unit with endothelia and hepatocytes in the liver to play a pivotal role in heterotypic cellular communication. To investigate this role of HSCs, it is of great benefit to establish a triculture model that forms the functional unit from proximal layers of hepatocytes, HSCs, and endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we established a three-dimensional triculture model, using a microporous membrane to create the functional unit. HSC behavior was controlled by the membrane pore size, which was critical for achieving proximal cell layers. With a specific pore size, the HSCs intercalated between layers of hepatocytes and ECs, due to the limitation on HSC behavior. When only cytoplasmic processes of quiescent HSCs were adjacent to ECs, while the HSC bodies remained on the side of the hepatocytes, the ECs changed morphologically and were capable of long-term survival. We confirmed that HSCs mediated the communication between hepatocytes and ECs in terms of EC morphogenesis. This triculture model allows us to investigate the roles of HSCs as both facilitators and integrators of cell-cell communication between hepatocytes and ECs, and is useful for investigating heterotypic cellular communication in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kasuya
- Center for System Integration Engineering, School of Integrated Design Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
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Bockmeyer CL, Forstmeier V, Modde F, Lovric S, Claus RA, Schiffer M, Agustian PA, Grothusen C, Grote K, Birschmann I, Theophile K, Kreipe HH, Brocker V, Becker JU. ADAMTS13--marker of contractile phenotype of arterial smooth muscle cells lost in benign nephrosclerosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 26:1871-81. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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