1
|
Lee HJ, Mun SJ, Jung CR, Kang HM, Kwon JE, Ryu JS, Ahn HS, Kwon OS, Ahn J, Moon KS, Son MJ, Chung KS. In vitro modeling of liver fibrosis with 3D co-culture system using a novel human hepatic stellate cell line. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1241-1253. [PMID: 36639871 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role in liver fibrosis; however, owing to the heterogeneity and limited supply of primary HSCs, the development of in vitro liver fibrosis models has been impeded. In this study, we established and characterized a novel human HSC line (LSC-1), and applied it to various types of three-dimensional (3D) co-culture systems with differentiated HepaRG cells. Furthermore, we compared LSC-1 with a commercially available HSC line on conventional monolayer culture. LSC-1 exhibited an overall upregulation of the expression of fibrogenic genes along with increased levels of matrix and adhesion proteins, suggesting a myofibroblast-like or transdifferentiated state. However, activated states reverted to a quiescent-like phenotype when cultured in different 3D culture formats with a relatively soft microenvironment. Additionally, LSC-1 exerted an overall positive effect on co-cultured differentiated HepaRG, which significantly increased hepatic functionality upon long-term cultivation compared with that achieved with other HSC line. In 3D spheroid culture, LSC-1 exhibited enhanced responsiveness to transforming growth factor beta 1 exposure that is caused by a different matrix-related protein expression mechanism. Therefore, the LSC-1 line developed in this study provides a reliable candidate model that can be used to address unmet needs, such as development of antifibrotic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Joon Lee
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Ju Mun
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho-Rok Jung
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mi Kang
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Eun Kwon
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Ryu
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Suk Ahn
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok-Seon Kwon
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Ahn
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sik Moon
- General and Applied Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Jin Son
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sook Chung
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Friedman SL, Weiskirchen R. Working with Immortalized Hepatic Stellate Cell Lines. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:129-162. [PMID: 37247058 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of extracellular matrix production in the liver. Therefore, this cell population has received considerable attention in studies investigating fundamental features of hepatic fibrosis. However, the limited supply and ever-increasing demand for these cells, combined with the additional tightening of formal standards in animal welfare policy, make working with these primary cells increasingly difficult. Moreover, researchers working in biomedical research are challenged to implement the 3R principle of "replacement," "reduction," and "refinement" in their work. This principle, originally proposed in 1959 by William M. S. Russell and Rex L. Burch, is now widely endorsed by legislators and regulatory bodies in many countries as a roadmap to tackle the ethical dilemma associated with animal experimentation. As such, working with immortalized HSC lines is a good alternative to limit the number of animals and their suffering in biomedical research. This article summarizes issues that need to be considered when working with established HSC cell lines and provides general guidelines for the maintenance and storage of HSC lines from mouse, rat, and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institut für Molekulare Pathobiochemie, Experimentelle Gentherapie und Klinische Chemie (IFMPEGKC), Universitätsklinikum Aachen AöR, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun H, Mi X, Gao N, Yan C, Yu FS. Hyperglycemia-suppressed expression of Serpine1 contributes to delayed epithelial wound healing in diabetic mouse corneas. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:3383-92. [PMID: 26024123 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-16606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at an increased risk for developing corneal complications, including delayed wound healing. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression and the function of Serpine1 and other components of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-proteolytic system in delayed epithelial wound healing in diabetic mouse corneas. METHODS Mice of the strain C57BL/6 were induced to develop diabetes by streptozotocin, and wound-healing assays were performed 10 weeks afterward. Gene expression and/or distribution were assessed by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and/or immunohistochemistry. The role of Serpine1 in mediating epithelial wound closure was determined by subconjunctival injections of neutralizing antibodies in either normal or recombinant protein in diabetic corneas. Enzyme assay for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 was also performed. RESULTS The expressions of Serpine1 (PAI-1), Plau (uPA), and Plaur (uPA receptor) were upregulated in response to wounding, and these upregulations were significantly suppressed by hyperglycemia. In healing epithelia, Plau and Serpine1 were abundantly expressed at the leading edge of the healing epithelia of normal and, to a lesser extent, diabetic corneas. Inhibition of Serpine1 delayed epithelial wound closure in normal corneas, whereas recombinant Serpine1 accelerated it in diabetic corneas. The Plau and MMP-3 mRNA levels and MMP-3 enzymatic activities were correlated to Serpine1 levels and/or the rates of epithelial wound closure. CONCLUSIONS Serpine1 plays a role in mediating epithelial wound healing and its impaired expression may contribute to delayed wound healing in DM corneas. Hence, modulating uPA proteolytic pathway may represent a new approach for treating diabetic keratopathy.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang B, Li W, Chen Y, Wang Y, Sun C, Chen Y, Lu H, Fan J, Li D. Coexpression of Smad7 and UPA attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis. Med Sci Monit 2013; 18:BR394-401. [PMID: 23018346 PMCID: PMC3560566 DOI: 10.12659/msm.883479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a great need for developing novel therapies to treat liver fibrosis. Previous studies showed that both Smad7 and uPA were inhibitors of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we explored the therapeutic effects of combinational gene therapy with Smad7 and uPA on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Material/Methods Smad7 and uPA genes were cloned into an adenovirus vector. To observe the therapeutic effects of coexpression of Smad7 and uPA genes, the recombinant adenovirus were delivered into CCL4-induced fibrosis models. Fibrillar collagen, hydroxyproline, α-SMA, TGF-β1, MMP-13, TIMP-1, HGF and PCNA were detected to evaluate the fibrosis and to explore the mechanisms underlying the treatment with Smad7 and uPA. Results The results showed that single Smad7 or uPA adenovirus reduced CCL4 induced liver fibrosis significantly; while combination of Smad7 and uPA had more significant therapeutic effect on CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Then the markers underlying the therapeutic effect of combination of Smad7 and uPA were also explored. Over-expression of Smad7 and uPA inhibited the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 significantly. Combinational gene therapy also enhanced extracellular matrix degradation by increasing the expression of MMP-13, inhibiting TIMP-1 expression, and promoted hepatocyte proliferation, while single Smad7 or uPA only induced part of these changes. Conclusions These results suggest that combinational gene therapy with Smad7 and uPA inhibited CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis by simultaneously targeting multiple pathogenic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baocan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
High co-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and Snail is associated with poor prognosis after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2012; 29:2750-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
6
|
Ge WS, Wu JX, Fan JG, Wang YJ, Chen YW. Inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 expression by siRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:4090-8. [PMID: 22039322 PMCID: PMC3203359 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i36.4090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of HMGB1 gene silencing in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using siRNA. METHODS Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced throu-gh serial subcutaneous injections of dimethylnitrosamine, and expression of HMGB1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. HMGB1 siRNAs were developed and transiently transfected into HSC-T6 cells using Lipofectamine 2000. HMGB1 expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting analysis. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen types I and III was evaluated by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method. Finally, collagen content in HSC supernatant was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The results showed that HMGB1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis and that its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagen. siRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of HMGB1 expression in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, HMGB1 siRNA treatment inhibited synthesis of α-SMA and collagen types I and III in transfected HSCs. CONCLUSION This study suggests a significant fun-ctional role for HMGB1 in the development of liver fibrosis. It also demonstrates that downregulation of HMGB1 expression might be a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Song Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun C, Li DG, Chen YW, Chen YW, Wang BC. Effect of transplantation of uPA gene-modified bone marrow-derived liver stem cells on the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in rats with liver fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:789-793. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i8.789] [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
AIM: To explore the effect of transplantation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) gene-modified bone marrow-derived liver stem cells (BDLSC) on the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signal pathway in rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of CCl4. The rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, BDLSC group (injected with 2×106 BDLSC via the tail vein), and BDLSC-uPA group(injected with 2×106 uPA-transfected BDLSC via the tail vein). Liver function and hepatic pathohistological changes were detected, and the expression of TGF-β1, Smad3 and Smad7 proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry or Western blot.
RESULTS: In the BDLSC-uPA group, the extent of liver fibrosis was much milder, the formation of pseudolobules was less obvious, liver function was better, and the expression of TGF-β1 protein in the liver (0.1849 ± 0.0456 vs 0.8202 ± 0.0636, 0.2936 ± 0.0548, both P < 0.05) was significantly lower compared with the control group and BDLSC group. No significant difference was observed in the expression of Smad3 and Smad7 proteins among all the groups.
CONCLUSION: Transplantation of uPA gene-modified BDLSC exerts an anti-fibrosis effect partly by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 protein.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gálvez-Gastélum FJ, Segura-Flores AA, Senties-Gomez MD, Muñoz-Valle JF, Armendáriz-Borunda JS. Combinatorial gene therapy renders increased survival in cirrhotic rats. J Biomed Sci 2010; 17:42. [PMID: 20509929 PMCID: PMC2890657 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-17-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis ranks as the second cause of death in México's productive-age population. This pathology is characterized by acummulation of fibrillar proteins in hepatic parenchyma causing synthetic and metabolic disfunction. Remotion of excessive fibrous proteins might result in benefit for subjects increasing survival index. The goal of this work was to find whether the already known therapeutical effect of human urokinase Plasminogen Activator and human Matrix Metalloprotease 8 extends survival index in cirrhotic animals. Methods Wistar rats (80 g) underwent chronic intoxication with CCl4: mineral oil for 8 weeks. Cirrhotic animals were injected with a combined dose of Ad-delta-huPA plus Ad-MMP8 (3 × 1011 and 1.5 × 1011 vp/Kg, respectively) or with Ad-beta-Gal (4.5 × 1011) and were killed after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. Then, liver and serum were collected. An additional set of cirrhotic animals injected with combined gene therapy was also monitored for their probability of survival. Results Only the cirrhotic animals treated with therapeutical genes (Ad-delta-huPA+Ad-MMP-8) showed improvement in liver fibrosis. These results correlated with hydroxyproline determinations. A significant decrement in alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 gene expression was also observed. Cirrhotic rats treated with Ad-delta-huPA plus Ad-MMP8 had a higher probability of survival at 60 days with respect to Ad-beta-Gal-injected animals. Conclusion A single administration of Ad-delta-huPA plus Ad-MMP-8 is efficient to induce fibrosis regression and increase survival in experimental liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Gálvez-Gastélum
- Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Guadalajara, Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Sierra Mojada St, #950, Guadalajara 44280, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martínez-Rizo A, Bueno-Topete M, González-Cuevas J, Armendáriz-Borunda J. Plasmin plays a key role in the regulation of profibrogenic molecules in hepatic stellate cells. Liver Int 2010; 30:298-310. [PMID: 19889106 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmin role in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-responsive gene regulation remains to be elucidated. Also, plasmin action on co-repressor Ski-related novel protein N (SnoN) and differential activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are unknown. Thus, the role of plasmin on profibrogenic molecule expression, SnoN transcriptional kinetics and gelatinase activation was investigated. METHODS Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were transduced with adenovirus-mediated human urokinase plasminogen activator (Ad-huPA) (4 x 10(9) viral particles/ml). Overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator and therefore of plasmin, was blocked by tranexamic acid (TA) in transduced HSC. Gene expression was monitored by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. HSC-free supernatants were used to evaluate MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography. SnoN, TGF-beta and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were analysed by Western blot. Plasmin and SnoN expression kinetics were evaluated in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. RESULTS Plasmin overexpression in Ad-huPA-transduced HSC significantly decreased gene expression of profibrogenic molecules [alpha1(I)collagen 66%, TIMP-1 59%, alpha-smooth muscle actin 90% and TGF-beta 55%]. Interestingly, both SnoN gene and protein expression increased prominently. Plasmin inhibition by TA upregulated the profibrogenic genes, which respond to TGF-beta-intracellular signalling. In contrast, SnoN mRNA and protein dropped importantly. Plasmin-activated MMP-9 and MMP-2 in HSC supernatants. Taken together, these findings indicate that MMP-9 activation is totally plasmin dependent. SnoN levels significantly decreased in cholestatic-BDL rats (82%) as compared with control animals. Interestingly, hepatic plasmin levels dropped 46% in BDL rats as compared with control. CONCLUSION Plasmin plays a key role in regulating TGF-beta-responding genes. In particular, regulation of TGF-beta-co-repressor (SnoN) is greatly affected, which suggests SnoN as a cardinal player in cholestasis-induced fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abril Martínez-Rizo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, CUCS, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Guadalajara, and OPD Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roderfeld M, Weiskirchen R, Atanasova S, Gressner AM, Preissner KT, Roeb E, Kanse SM. Altered factor VII activating protease expression in murine hepatic fibrosis and its influence on hepatic stellate cells. Liver Int 2009; 29:686-91. [PMID: 19018983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is a profibrotic factor in liver fibrosis through its ability to stimulate hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The liver-derived serine protease factor VII activating protease (FSAP) regulates the activities of PDGF-BB in a cell-specific manner. AIMS Our aim was to determine the influence of FSAP on the activation of HSC and to analyse the regulation of FSAP in hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS The effect of FSAP on PDGF-stimulated p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in primary rat HSC was determined by Western blotting. Migration and proliferation of HSC was evaluated in Boyden chamber experiments and (3)H-thymidine incorporation assays respectively. Expression of FSAP was analysed in a CCl(4) mouse model of liver fibrosis by Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS FSAP inhibited PDGF-BB-stimulated p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation, proliferation and migration of HSC. FSAP mRNA expression level was increased 3 h after CCl(4) application and decreased after 18 h and, in established fibrosis, after chronic CCl(4) administration. In parallel, there was a decrease in the circulating FSAP protein in chronic fibrosis. Concurrently, the homogenous hepatic expression pattern of FSAP was disturbed. Immunohistochemistry revealed a decrease of FSAP in hepatocytes in inflammatory and fibrotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate an inhibitory effect of FSAP on PDGF-mediated activation of HSC. In addition, FSAP expression is transiently increased in acute-phase reaction but decreased during chronic fibrogenesis, which in turn may influence PDGF-BB availability and myofibroblast activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Roderfeld
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marquez-Aguirre A, Sandoval-Rodriguez A, Gonzalez-Cuevas J, Bueno-Topete M, Navarro-Partida J, Arellano-Olivera I, Lucano-Landeros S, Armendariz-Borunda J. Adenoviral delivery of dominant-negative transforming growth factor beta type II receptor up-regulates transcriptional repressor SKI-like oncogene, decreases matrix metalloproteinase 2 in hepatic stellate cell and prevents liver fibrosis in rats. J Gene Med 2009; 11:207-19. [PMID: 19189315 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dominant-negative transforming growth factor beta type II receptor (TbetaRIIDeltacyt) is a protein that blocks transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) signaling. Because the consequences of blocking TGF-beta have not been completely elucidated in liver fibrosis, we analysed the effects of adenoviral delivery of TbetaRIIDeltacyt on profibrogenic genes and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) proteins, as well as on TGF-beta signal repressor SKI-like oncogene (SnoN), in cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in a rat model of liver fibrosis. METHODS To induce liver fibrosis, rats were treated with thioacetamide for 7 weeks and administrated once with Ad-TbetaRIIDeltacyt or Ad-betagal through the iliac vein. Fibrosis was measured by morphometric analysis. We evaluated SnoN by western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry; MMP activity was determined by zymography and profibrogenic gene expression by the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in cultured HSCs and liver tissue. RESULTS Profibrogenic gene expression of collagen alpha1 (I), TGF-beta1, platelet-derived growth factor-B, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and MMP-2 was down-regulated; whereas MMP-3 was over-expressed in response to Ad-TbetaRIIDeltacyt in HSCs. Moreover, zymography assays corroborated MMP-2 and MMP-3 changes in activity. Surprisingly, anti-TGF-beta molecular intervention increased nuclear SnoN in HSCs. In vivo, Ad-TbetaRIIDeltacyt reduced liver fibrosis, increased nuclear SnoN in sinusoidal cells, and also produced significant suppression in collagen alpha1 (I), TGF-beta1, PAI-1, MMP-2 and over-expression in MMP-3 in thioacetamide-intoxicated animals. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study suggest that the molecular mechanism for the blocking effects of Ad-TbetaRIIDeltacyt in TGF-beta signaling acts via up-regulation of the transcriptional repressor SnoN, which antagonizes TGF-beta signaling (TGF-beta/Smad-pathway inhibitor). Consequently, profibrogenic genes are down-regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marquez-Aguirre
- Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Guadalajara, Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hu PF, Zhu YW, Zhong W, Chen YX, Lin Y, Zhang X, Yin C, Yue HY, Xie WF. Inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression by siRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23:1917-25. [PMID: 18761555 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The plasminogen activator/plasmin system is known to regulate the extracellular matrix turnover. The aim of this study was to detect the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of PAI-1 gene silencing in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using small interfering RNA (siRNA). METHODS Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced through serial subcutaneously injections of CCl(4) and the expression of PAI-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PAI-1 siRNA molecules were constructed and transiently transfected into HSC-T6 using the cell suspension transfection method. The pSUPER RNA interfering system was used to establish the HSC stable cell line pSUPER-shPAI. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, and collagen types I and III were evaluated by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and flow cytometry. Collagen content in HSCs supernatant was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The results showed that PAI-1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis, and its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagens. SiRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of PAI-1 expression time dependently. Moreover, PAI-1 siRNA treatment downregulated alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 expression, and inhibited collagen types I and III synthesis both at the mRNA and protein level in transiently and stably transfected HSCs. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a significant functional role for PAI-1 in the development of liver fibrosis and that downregulating PAI-1 expression might present as a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Fang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Herrmann J, Gressner AM, Weiskirchen R. Immortal hepatic stellate cell lines: useful tools to study hepatic stellate cell biology and function? J Cell Mol Med 2007; 11:704-22. [PMID: 17760834 PMCID: PMC3823251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
At the cellular level, the activation and transdifferentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into myofibroblasts is the key process involved in hepatic fibrogenesis that is associated with an increased and altered deposition of extracellular matrix components in the liver. The temporal sequence of molecular events associated with stellate cell activation turned out to be appropriately mimicked when HSC isolated from normal livers are cultured on uncoated plastic surface. Therefore, cultured primary cells isolated from rodents and human beings are common in vitro models in investigations addressing these issues of hepatic stellate biology and function. However, the limited supply, cost-effective isolation procedure and the ever growing need have resulted in efforts to establish immortalized stellate cell lines having the advantage of virtually unlimited access. They allow rapid screening for disease-associated factors and restrict the necessary number of animal experiments. From the first description of an immortal HSC line in 1986, a huge number of studies were conducted with these established cell lines. However, differences in morphology, growth characteristics and anomalies of chromosome number and structure make the applications of these models questionable. Here, we summarize the history and cellular characteristics of respective cell lines and discuss the differences of continuous HSC lines and their primary counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Herrmann
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|