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Valente LC, Bacil GP, Riechelmann-Casarin L, Barbosa GC, Barbisan LF, Romualdo GR. Exploring in vitro modeling in hepatocarcinogenesis research: morphological and molecular features and similarities to the corresponding human disease. Life Sci 2024; 351:122781. [PMID: 38848937 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) features a remarkable epidemiological burden, ranking as the third most lethal cancer worldwide. As the HCC-related molecular and cellular complexity unfolds as the disease progresses, the use of a myriad of in vitro models available is mandatory in translational preclinical research setups. In this review paper, we will compile cutting-edge information on the in vitro bioassays for HCC research, (A) emphasizing their morphological and molecular parallels with human HCC; (B) delineating the advantages and limitations of their application; and (C) offering perspectives on their prospective applications. While bidimensional (2D) (co) culture setups provide a rapid low-cost strategy for metabolism and drug screening investigations, tridimensional (3D) (co) culture bioassays - including patient-derived protocols as organoids and precision cut slices - surpass some of the 2D strategies limitations, mimicking the complex microarchitecture and cellular and non-cellular microenvironment observed in human HCC. 3D models have become invaluable tools to unveil HCC pathophysiology and targeted therapy. In both setups, the recapitulation of HCC in different etiologies/backgrounds (i.e., viral, fibrosis, and fatty liver) may be considered as a fundamental guide for obtaining translational findings. Therefore, a "multimodel" approach - encompassing the advantages of different in vitro bioassays - is encouraged to circumvent "model-biased" outcomes in preclinical HCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Cardoso Valente
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Brazil
| | - Luana Riechelmann-Casarin
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil
| | | | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Medical School, Botucatu, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Brazil.
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2
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Gao L, Wang H, Fang F, Liu J, Zhao C, Niu J, Wang Z, Zhong Y, Wang X. The roles of orphan nuclear receptor 4 group A1 and A2 in fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112705. [PMID: 39029235 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is not a disease but rather an outcome of the pathological tissue repair response. Many myofibroblasts are activated which lead to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and fibronectin with fibrosis. A variety of organs, including kidney, liver, lung, heart and skin, can undergo fibrosis under the stimulation of exogenous or endogenous pathogenic factors. The orphan nuclear receptor 4 group A1 (NR4A1) and nuclear receptor 4 group A2(NR4A2)are belong to the nuclear receptor subfamily and inhibit the occurrence and development of fibrosis. NR4A1 is an inhibitory factor of TGF-β signaling transduction. Overexpression of NR4A1 in fibroblasts can reduce TGF-β induced collagen deposition and fibrosis related gene expression. Here, we summarize the current research progress on the NR4A1/2 and fibrosis, providing reference for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanjun Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Hongshuang Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jiazhi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jieqi Niu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China.
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.
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3
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Wang P, Pan J, Gong S, Zhang Z, Li B. Yes-associated protein inhibition ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice by reducing VDR. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 399:111139. [PMID: 38992766 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has a wide range of toxic effects, especially causing acute liver injury (ALI), in which rapid compensation for hepatocyte loss ensures liver survival, but proliferation of surviving hepatocytes (known as endoreplication) may imply impaired residual function. Yes-associated protein (YAP) drives hepatocytes to undergo endoreplication and ploidy, the underlying mechanisms of which remain a mystery. In the present study, we uncover during CCl4-mediated ALI accompanied by increased hepatocytes proliferation and YAP activation. Notably, bioinformatics analyses elucidate that hepatic-specific deletion of YAP substantially ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic proliferation, effectively decreased the vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression. Additionally, a mouse model of acute liver injury substantiated that inhibition of YAP could suppress hepatocytes proliferation via VDR. Furthermore, we also disclosed that the VDR agonist nullifies CCl4-induced ALI alleviated by the YAP inhibitor in vivo. Importantly, hepatocytes were isolated from mice, and it was spotlighted that the anti-proliferative impact of the YAP inhibitor was abolished by the activation of VDR within these hepatocytes. Similarly, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and it was manifested that YAP inhibitor suppressed HSC activation via VDR during acute liver injury. Our findings further elucidate the YAP's role in ALI and may provide new avenues for protection against CCl4-drived acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jinjing Pan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sheyang County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224300, China
| | - Shiyi Gong
- Deparment of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Bingyan Li
- Deparment of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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4
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Karnawat K, Parthasarathy R, Sakhrie M, Karthik H, Krishna KV, Balachander GM. Building in vitro models for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in chronic liver diseases. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38973693 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00738g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The liver has excellent regeneration potential and attains complete functional recovery from partial hepatectomy. The regenerative mechanisms malfunction in chronic liver diseases (CLDs), which fuels disease progression. CLDs account for 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Pathophysiological studies with clinical correlation have shown evidence of deviation of normal regenerative mechanisms and its contribution to fueling fibrosis and disease progression. However, we lack realistic in vitro models that can allow experimental manipulation for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in CLDs and testing of candidate drugs. In this review, we aim to provide the framework for building appropriate organotypic models for dissecting regenerative responses in CLDs, with the focus on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By drawing parallels with development and hepatectomy, we explain the selection of critical components such as cells, signaling, and, substrate-driven biophysical cues to build an appropriate CLD model. We highlight the organoid-based organotypic models available for NASH disease modeling, including organ-on-a-chip and 3D bioprinted models. With the focus on bioprinting as a fabrication method, we prescribe building in vitro CLD models and testing schemes for exploring the regenerative responses in the bioprinted model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushi Karnawat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Rithika Parthasarathy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Mesevilhou Sakhrie
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Harikeshav Karthik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Konatala Vibhuvan Krishna
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Gowri Manohari Balachander
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
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5
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Mishra F, Yuan Y, Yang JJ, Li B, Chan P, Liu Z. Depletion of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and Capillarized Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Using a Rationally Designed Protein for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7447. [PMID: 39000553 PMCID: PMC11242029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic hepatitis (AH) affect a large part of the general population worldwide. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and alcohol toxicity drive disease progression by the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Collagen deposition, along with sinusoidal remodeling, alters sinusoid structure, resulting in hepatic inflammation, portal hypertension, liver failure, and other complications. Efforts were made to develop treatments for NASH and AH. However, the success of such treatments is limited and unpredictable. We report a strategy for NASH and AH treatment involving the induction of integrin αvβ3-mediated cell apoptosis using a rationally designed protein (ProAgio). Integrin αvβ3 is highly expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (αHSCs), the angiogenic endothelium, and capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (caLSECs). ProAgio induces the apoptosis of these disease-driving cells, therefore decreasing collagen fibril, reversing sinusoid remodeling, and reducing immune cell infiltration. The reversal of sinusoid remodeling reduces the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on LSECs, thus decreasing leukocyte infiltration/activation in the diseased liver. Our studies present a novel and effective approach for NASH and AH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Mishra
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Payton Chan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Zhiren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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6
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Ariyachet C, Nokkeaw A, Boonkaew B, Tangkijvanich P. ZNF469 is a profibrotic regulator of extracellular matrix in hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30578. [PMID: 38704698 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proliferative myofibroblasts drives extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and liver fibrosis; nevertheless, the transcriptional network that promotes such a process is not completely understood. ZNF469 is a putative C2H2 zinc finger protein that may bind to specific genome sequences. It is found to be upregulated upon HSC activation; however, the molecular function of ZNF469 is completely unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of ZNF469 in primary human HSCs impaired proliferation, migration, and collagen production. Conversely, overexpression of ZNF469 in HSCs yielded the opposite results. Transforming growth factor-β 1 promoted expression of ZNF469 in a Smad3-dependent manner, where the binding of Smad3 was confirmed at the ZNF469 promoter. RNA sequencing data of ZNF469-knockdown HSCs revealed the ECM-receptor interaction, which provides structural and signaling support to cells, was the most affected pathway, and significant downregulation of various collagen and proteoglycan genes was observed. To investigate the function of ZNF469, we cloned a full-length open reading frame of ZNF469 with an epitope tag and identified a nuclear localization of the protein. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the presence of ZNF469 at the promoter of ECM genes, supporting its function as a transcription factor. Analysis of human fibrotic and cirrhotic tissues showed increased expression of ZNF469 and a positive correlation between expression levels of ZNF469 and ECM genes. Moreover, this observation was similar in other fibrotic organs, including the heart, lung, and skin, suggesting that myofibroblasts from various origins generally require ZNF469 to promote ECM production. Together, this study is the first to reveal the role of ZNF469 as a profibrotic factor in HSCs and suggests ZNF469 as a novel target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Archittapon Nokkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bootsakorn Boonkaew
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Elangovan H, Stokes RA, Keane J, Chahal S, Samer C, Agoncillo M, Yu J, Chen J, Downes M, Evans RM, Liddle C, Gunton JE. Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae077. [PMID: 38963813 PMCID: PMC11250209 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin D signals through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to induce its end-organ effects. Hepatic stellate cells control development of liver fibrosis in response to stressors and vitamin D signaling decreases fibrogenesis. VDR expression in hepatocytes is low in healthy liver, and the role of VDR in hepatocyte proliferation is unclear. Hepatocyte-VDR null mice (hVDR) were used to assess the role of VDR and vitamin D signaling in hepatic regeneration. hVDR mice have impaired liver regeneration and impaired hepatocyte proliferation associated with significant differential changes in bile salts. Notably, mice lacking hepatocyte VDR had significant increases in expression of conjugated bile acids after partial hepatectomy, consistent with failure to normalize hepatic function by the 14-day time point tested. Real-time PCR of hVDR and control livers showed significant changes in expression of cell-cycle genes including cyclins D1 and E1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Gene expression profiling of hepatocytes treated with vitamin D or control showed regulation of groups of genes involved in liver proliferation, hepatitis, liver hyperplasia/hyperproliferation, and liver necrosis/cell death. Together, these studies demonstrate an important functional role for VDR in hepatocytes during liver regeneration. Combined with the known profibrotic effects of impaired VDR signaling in stellate cells, the studies provide a mechanism whereby vitamin D deficiency would both reduce hepatocyte proliferation and permit fibrosis, leading to significant liver compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harendran Elangovan
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Rebecca A Stokes
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jeremy Keane
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sarinder Chahal
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Caroline Samer
- Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Therapy Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva 1205, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Agoncillo
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Josephine Yu
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jennifer Chen
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Michael Downes
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jenny E Gunton
- The Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Endocrinology Research (CDOER), The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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8
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He L, Xu J, Huang P, Bai Y, Chen H, Xu X, Hu Y, Liu J, Zhang H. miR-9-5p and miR-221-3p Promote Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury by Enhancing Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Engraftment and Inhibiting Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7235. [PMID: 39000343 PMCID: PMC11241704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great potential for the treatment of liver injuries, and the therapeutic efficacy greatly depends on their homing to the site of injury. In the present study, we detected significant upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the serum and liver in mice with acute or chronic liver injury. In vitro study revealed that upregulation of miR-9-5p or miR-221-3p promoted the migration of human MSCs (hMSCs) toward HGF. Moreover, overexpression of miR-9-5p or miR-221-3p promoted hMSC homing to the injured liver and resulted in significantly higher engraftment upon peripheral infusion. hMSCs reduced hepatic necrosis and inflammatory infiltration but showed little effect on extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. By contrast, hMSCs overexpressing miR-9-5p or miR-221-3p resulted in not only less centrilobular necrosis and venous congestion but also a significant reduction of ECM deposition, leading to obvious improvement of hepatocyte morphology and alleviation of fibrosis around central vein and portal triads. Further studies showed that hMSCs inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) but could not decrease the expression of TIMP-1 upon acute injury and the expression of MCP-1 and TIMP-1 upon chronic injury, while hMSCs overexpressing miR-9-5p or miR-221-3p led to further inactivation of HSCs and downregulation of all three fibrogenic and proinflammatory factors TGF-β, MCP-1, and TIMP-1 upon both acute and chronic injuries. Overexpression of miR-9-5p or miR-221-3p significantly downregulated the expression of α-SMA and Col-1α1 in activated human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2, suggesting that miR-9-5p and miR-221-3p may partially contribute to the alleviation of liver injury by preventing HSC activation and collagen expression, shedding light on improving the therapeutic efficacy of hMSCs via microRNA modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Huanxiang Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (L.H.); (J.X.)
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9
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Guan Y, Peltz G. Hepatic organoids move from adolescence to maturity. Liver Int 2024; 44:1290-1297. [PMID: 38451053 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Since organoids were developed 15 years ago, they are now in their adolescence as a research tool. The ability to generate 'tissue in a dish' has created enormous opportunities for biomedical research. We examine the contributions that hepatic organoids have made to three areas of liver research: as a source of cells and tissue for basic research, for drug discovery and drug safety testing, and for understanding disease pathobiology. We discuss the features that enable hepatic organoids to provide useful models for human liver diseases and identify four types of advances that will enable them to become a mature (i.e., adult) research tool over the next 5 years. During this period, advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR technologies coupled with improved hepatic organoid methodology, which enables them to have a wider range of cell types that are present in liver and to be grown in microwells, will generate discoveries that will dramatically advance our understanding of liver development and the pathogenesis of liver diseases. It will generate also new approaches for treating liver fibrosis, which remains a major public health problem with few treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guan
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary Peltz
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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10
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Zhang X, Zhu R, Yu D, Wang J, Yan Y, Xu K. Single-cell RNA sequencing to explore cancer-associated fibroblasts heterogeneity: "Single" vision for "heterogeneous" environment. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13592. [PMID: 38158643 PMCID: PMC11056715 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous stromal cell, are one of the most important components of the tumour microenvironment. Previous studies have consolidated it as a promising target against cancer. However, variable therapeutic efficacy-both protumor and antitumor effects have been observed not least owing to the strong heterogeneity of CAFs. Over the past 10 years, advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies had a dramatic effect on biomedical research, enabling the analysis of single cell transcriptomes with unprecedented resolution and throughput. Specifically, scRNA-seq facilitates our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of diverse CAF subtypes. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date knowledge about CAF heterogeneity with a focus on scRNA-seq perspective to investigate the emerging strategies for integrating multimodal single-cell platforms. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical application of scRNA-seq on CAF research. We believe that the comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs form different visions will generate innovative solutions to cancer therapy and achieve clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Zhang
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ruiqiu Zhu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Die Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Juan Wang
- School of MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuxiang Yan
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouChina
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11
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Saadh MJ, Mahdi MS, Allela OQB, Alazzawi TS, Ubaid M, Rakhimov NM, Athab ZH, Ramaiah P, Chinnasamy L, Alsaikhan F, Farhood B. Critical role of miR-21/exosomal miR-21 in autophagy pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155275. [PMID: 38643552 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Activation of autophagy, a process of cellular stress response, leads to the breakdown of proteins, organelles, and other parts of the cell in lysosomes, and can be linked to several ailments, such as cancer, neurological diseases, and rare hereditary syndromes. Thus, its regulation is very carefully monitored. Transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms domestically or in whole organisms utilized to control the autophagic activity, have been heavily researched. In modern times, microRNAs (miRNAs) are being considered to have a part in post-translational orchestration of the autophagic activity, with miR-21 as one of the best studied miRNAs, it is often more than expressed in cancer cells. This regulatory RNA is thought to play a major role in a plethora of processes and illnesses including growth, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Different studies have suggested that a few autophagy-oriented genes, such as PTEN, Rab11a, Atg12, SIPA1L2, and ATG5, are all targeted by miR-21, indicating its essential role in the regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | | | | | - Tuqa S Alazzawi
- College of dentist, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Nodir M Rakhimov
- Department of Oncology, Samarkand State Medical University, 18 Amir Temur Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; Department of Oncology, Tashkent State Dental Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Zainab H Athab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | | | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia jSchool of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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12
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Du K, Jun JH, Dutta RK, Diehl AM. Plasticity, heterogeneity, and multifunctionality of hepatic stellate cells in liver pathophysiology. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0411. [PMID: 38619452 PMCID: PMC11019831 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
HSCs, the resident pericytes of the liver, have consistently been at the forefront of liver research due to their crucial roles in various hepatic pathological processes. Prior literature often depicted HSCs in a binary framework, categorizing them as either quiescent or activated. However, recent advances in HSC research, particularly the advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing, have revolutionized our understanding of these cells. This sophisticated technique offers an unparalleled, high-resolution insight into HSC populations, uncovering a spectrum of diversity and functional heterogeneity across various physiological states of the liver, ranging from liver development to the liver aging process. The single-cell RNA-sequencing revelations have also highlighted the intrinsic plasticity of HSCs and underscored their complex roles in a myriad of pathophysiological processes, including liver injury, repair, and carcinogenesis. This review aims to integrate and clarify these recent discoveries, focusing on how the inherent plasticity of HSCs is central to their dynamic roles both in maintaining liver homeostasis and orchestrating responses to liver injury. Future research will clarify whether findings from rodent models can be translated to human livers and guide how these insights are harnessed to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.
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13
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Xu C, Fang T, Qu J, Miao Y, Tian L, Zhang M, Zhuang H, Sun B, Chen L. RASSF4 Attenuates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Progression via Hippo Signaling and Suppresses Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:101348. [PMID: 38697356 PMCID: PMC11217689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a dynamic chronic liver disease closely related to metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes and obesity. MASLD can further progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms underlying the progression of MASLD and further progression to liver fibrosis and liver cancer are unknown. METHODS In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis in livers from mice with MASLD and found suppression of a potential anti-oncogene, RAS association domain protein 4 (RASSF4). RASSF4 expression levels were measured in liver or tumor tissues of patients with MASH or HCC, respectively. We established RASSF4 overexpression and knockout mouse models. The effects of RASSF4 were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, histopathological analysis, wound healing assays, Transwell assays, EdU incorporation assays, colony formation assays, sorafenib sensitivity assays, and tumorigenesis assays. RESULTS RASSF4 was significantly down-regulated in MASH and HCC samples. Using liver-specific RASSF4 knockout mice, we demonstrated that loss of hepatic RASSF4 exacerbated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. In contrast, RASSF4 overexpression prevented steatosis in MASLD mice. In addition, RASSF4 in hepatocytes suppressed the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by reducing transforming growth factor beta secretion. Moreover, we found that RASSF4 is an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Mechanistically, we found that RASSF4 in the liver interacts with MST1 to inhibit YAP nuclear translocation through the Hippo pathway. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish RASSF4 as a therapeutic target for MASLD and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofei Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Fang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingru Qu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yahui Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhuang
- Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Liming Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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14
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Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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15
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Nakano Y, Saijou E, Itoh T, Tanaka M, Miyajima A, Kido T. Development of a high throughput system to screen compounds that revert the activated hepatic stellate cells to a quiescent-like state. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8536. [PMID: 38609454 PMCID: PMC11014936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58989-6] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury induces fibrosis that often proceeds to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating that prevention and/or resolution of fibrosis is a promising therapeutic target. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major driver of fibrosis by expressing extracellular matrices (ECM). HSCs, in the normal liver, are quiescent and activated by liver injury to become myofibroblasts that proliferate and produce ECM. It has been shown that activated HSCs (aHSCs) become a "quiescent-like" state by removal of liver insults. Therefore, deactivation agents can be a therapeutic drug for advanced liver fibrosis. Using aHSCs prepared from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we found that aHSCs were reverted to a quiescent-like state by a combination of chemical compounds that either inhibit or activate a signaling pathway, Lanifibranor, SB431542, Dorsomorphin, retinoic acid, palmitic acid and Y27632, in vitro. Based on these results, we established a high throughput system to screen agents that induce deactivation and demonstrate that a single chemical compound can induce deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakano
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
- Division of Cancer and Senescence Biology, Cancer Research Institute, and Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Eiko Saijou
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tohru Itoh
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
- Research Core, Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
| | - Taketomo Kido
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
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16
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Tan Y, Wang Z, Guo R, Zhou X, Zhang W, Wu M, Guo C, Gao H, Sun X, Zhang Z, Gong T. Dual-Targeting Macrophages and Hepatic Stellate Cells by Modified Albumin Nanoparticles for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11239-11250. [PMID: 38395769 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic cirrhosis has become a global public health concern with high mortality and currently lacks effective clinical treatment methods. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the large number of macrophages infiltrating into the liver play a critical role in the development of liver cirrhosis. This study developed a novel modified nanoparticle system (SRF-CS-PSA NPs) in which Sorafenib (SRF) was encapsulated by palmitic acid-modified albumin (PSA) and further modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). These modifications enabled the SRF-CS-PSA NPs to effectively target hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and macrophages. SRF-CS-PSA NPs showed uniform particle size distribution of approximately 120 nm and high loading efficiency of up to 99.5% and can be taken up by HSCs and macrophages via CD44 and SR-A receptors, respectively. In a mouse model of liver cirrhosis, SRF-CS-PSA NPs demonstrated superior targeting and inhibition of HSCs and macrophages, effectively reversing the process of liver cirrhosis. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential of SRF-CS-PSA NPs as a targeted therapy for liver cirrhosis, with promising clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Zijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xueru Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Mengying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Chenqi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting & Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drugs & Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
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18
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Kang X, Chen H, Zhou Z, Tu S, Cui B, Li Y, Dong S, Zhang Q, Xu Y. Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300403. [PMID: 38103005 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300403] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the integral process of chronic liver diseases caused by multiple etiologies and characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). During liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) transform into a highly proliferative, activated state, producing various cytokines, chemokines, and ECM. However, the precise mechanisms that license HSCs into the highly proliferative state remain unclear. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a requisite event for the transition of the G1/S and G2/M phases in eukaryotic cells. In this study, it is demonstrated that CDK1 and its activating partners, Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1, are upregulated in both liver fibrosis/cirrhosis patient specimens and the murine hepatic fibrosis models, especially in activated HSCs. In vitro, CDK1 is upregulated in spontaneously activated HSCs, and inhibiting CDK1 with specific small-molecule inhibitors (CGP74514A, RO-3306, or Purvalanol A) orshort hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) resulted in HSC apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by regulating Survivin expression. Above all, it is illustrated that increased CDK1 expression licenses the HSCs into a highly proliferative state and can serve as a potential therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Kang
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huaxin Chen
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhuowei Zhou
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Silin Tu
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanli Li
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Biotherapy Centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 600# Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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19
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Abbas N, You K, Getachew A, Wu F, Hussain M, Huang X, Chen Y, Pan T, Li Y. Kupffer cells abrogate homing and repopulation of allogeneic hepatic progenitors in injured liver site. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:48. [PMID: 38378583 PMCID: PMC10877762 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03656-w] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hepatocyte transplantation is an emerging approach to treat acute liver defects. However, durable engraftment of the transplanted cells remains a daunting task, as they are actively cleared by the recipient's immune system. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the innate or adaptive immune cells-derived responses against allogeneic transplanted hepatic cells is the key to rationalize cell-based therapies. METHODS Here, we induced an acute inflammatory regenerative niche (3-96 h) on the surface of the liver by the application of cryo-injury (CI) to systematically evaluate the innate immune response against transplanted allogeneic hepatic progenitors in a sustained micro-inflammatory environment. RESULTS The resulting data highlighted that the injured site was significantly repopulated by alternating numbers of innate immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes and Kupffer cells (KCs), from 3 to 96 h. The transplanted allo-HPs, engrafted 6 h post-injury, were collectively eliminated by the innate immune response within 24 h of transplantation. Selective depletion of the KCs demonstrated a delayed recruitment of monocytes from day 2 to day 6. In addition, the intrasplenic engraftment of the hepatic progenitors 54 h post-transplantation was dismantled by KCs, while a time-dependent better survival and translocation of the transplanted cells into the injured site could be observed in samples devoid of KCs. CONCLUSION Overall, this study provides evidence that KCs ablation enables a better survival and integration of allo-HPs in a sustained liver inflammatory environment, having implications for rationalizing the cell-based therapeutic interventions against liver defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Abbas
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health (CRMH), Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai You
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Anteneh Getachew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Feima Wu
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Muzammal Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Xinping Huang
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Tingcai Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yinxiong Li
- Center for Health Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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20
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Zhang H, Xia T, Xia Z, Zhou H, Li Z, Wang W, Zhai X, Jin B. KIF18A inactivates hepatic stellate cells and alleviates liver fibrosis through the TTC3/Akt/mTOR pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:96. [PMID: 38372748 PMCID: PMC10876760 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05114-5] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the process of liver fibrogenesis. In this study, we observed a decrease in the expression of KIF18A in fibrotic liver tissues compared to healthy liver tissues, which exhibited a negative correlation with the activation of HSCs. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of KIF18A, we performed in vitro proliferation experiments and established a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Our results revealed that KIF18A knockdown enhanced HSCs proliferation and reduced HSCs apoptosis in vitro. Mouse liver fibrosis grade was evaluated with Masson's trichrome and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining. In addition, the expression of fibrosis markers Col1A1, Stat1, and Timp1 were detected. Animal experiments demonstrated that knockdown of KIF18A could promote liver fibrosis, whereas overexpression of KIF18A alleviated liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced mouse model. Mechanistically, we found that KIF18A suppressed the AKT/mTOR pathway and exhibited direct binding to TTC3. Moreover, TTC3 was found to interact with p-AKT and could promote its ubiquitination and degradation. Our findings provide compelling evidence that KIF18A enhances the protein binding between TTC3 and p-AKT, promoting TTC3-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p-AKT. These results refine the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and may offer new targets for treating this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Huaxin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiangyu Zhai
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Jin
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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21
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Dai X, Du Z, Jin C, Tang B, Chen X, Jing X, Shen Y, He F, Wang S, Li J, Ding K, Zang Y. Inulin-like polysaccharide ABWW may impede CCl 4 induced hepatic stellate cell activation through mediating the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro & in vivo. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 326:121637. [PMID: 38142102 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that terrestrial acidic polysaccharides containing carboxyl groups and seaweed sulfated polysaccharides have strong potential in anti-liver fibrosis. However, there is no investigation on the anti-liver fibrosis of fructan, a ubiquitous natural polysaccharide. The present study aimed to understand the effect of fructan in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Here, an inulin-like fructan ABWW from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. was characterized by fructose enzymatic hydrolysis, methylation analysis, ESI-MS, and NMR. It was composed of →2)-β-d-Fruf-(1→ and →2)-β-d-Fruf-(1, 6→, terminated with →1)-α-d-Glcp and →2)-β-d-Fruf residues. The biological studies showed that ABWW could improve liver damage and liver fibrosis induced by CCl4in vivo and inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and migration in vitro. We further demonstrated that ABWW inhibited LX2 activation via suppressing the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Hence, ABWW might be a potential novel active compound for anti-fibrosis new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenyun Du
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Can Jin
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 563003, China
| | - Bixi Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoqi Jing
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yumei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei He
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shunchun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; ZhongShan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, China.
| | - Kan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Carbohydrate Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; ZhongShan Institute for Drug Discovery, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, China.
| | - Yi Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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22
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Savage TM, Fortson KT, de Los Santos-Alexis K, Oliveras-Alsina A, Rouanne M, Rae SS, Gamarra JR, Shayya H, Kornberg A, Cavero R, Li F, Han A, Haeusler RA, Adam J, Schwabe RF, Arpaia N. Amphiregulin from regulatory T cells promotes liver fibrosis and insulin resistance in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Immunity 2024; 57:303-318.e6. [PMID: 38309273 PMCID: PMC10922825 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.009] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Production of amphiregulin (Areg) by regulatory T (Treg) cells promotes repair after acute tissue injury. Here, we examined the function of Treg cells in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a setting of chronic liver injury. Areg-producing Treg cells were enriched in the livers of mice and humans with NASH. Deletion of Areg in Treg cells, but not in myeloid cells, reduced NASH-induced liver fibrosis. Chronic liver damage induced transcriptional changes associated with Treg cell activation. Mechanistically, Treg cell-derived Areg activated pro-fibrotic transcriptional programs in hepatic stellate cells via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Deletion of Areg in Treg cells protected mice from NASH-dependent glucose intolerance, which also was dependent on EGFR signaling on hepatic stellate cells. Areg from Treg cells promoted hepatocyte gluconeogenesis through hepatocyte detection of hepatic stellate cell-derived interleukin-6. Our findings reveal a maladaptive role for Treg cell-mediated tissue repair functions in chronic liver disease and link liver damage to NASH-dependent glucose intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Savage
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine T Fortson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Mathieu Rouanne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah S Rae
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hani Shayya
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind, and Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam Kornberg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renzo Cavero
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnold Han
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca A Haeusler
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julien Adam
- Pathology Department, Hopital Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France; INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Xu N, Wu J, Wang W, Sun S, Sun M, Bian Y, Zhang H, Liu S, Yu G. Anti-tumor therapy of glycyrrhetinic acid targeted liposome co-delivery of doxorubicin and berberine for hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7. [PMID: 38236508 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7] [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] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
During the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic stellate cells undergo activation and transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the influence of tumor cells. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells can compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study explores the potential of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (lip-GA) as a strategy for co-delivery of berberine (Ber) and doxorubicin (Dox) to treat HCC. The characterizations of liposomes, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The study evaluated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of Dox&Ber@lip-GA on the Huh-7 + LX-2 cell model were through MTT and wound-healing assays. Additionally, the in vivo drug distribution and anti-tumor efficacy were investigated using the H22 + NIH-3T3-bearing mouse model. The results indicated that Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited a nanoscale particle size, accumulated specifically in the tumor region, and was efficiently taken up by tumor cells. Compared to other groups, Dox&Ber@lip-GA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lower migration rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor growth. In conclusion, Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China.
| | - Weihao Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shujie Sun
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Yandong Bian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Huien Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China.
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24
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Pringle TA, Ramon-Gil E, Leslie J, Oakley F, Wright MC, Knight JC, Luli S. Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a 89Zr-labelled human single chain antibody for non-invasive detection of hepatic myofibroblasts in acute liver injury. Sci Rep 2024; 14:633. [PMID: 38182623 PMCID: PMC10770171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50779-w] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptophysin is expressed on fibrogenic hepatic myofibroblasts. C1-3 is a single chain human antibody (scAb) that binds specifically to synaptophysin on hepatic myofibroblasts, providing a targeting vector for novel in vivo imaging agents of chronic liver disease. C1-3 and a negative control scAb, CSBD9, were radiolabelled with zirconium-89 via desferrioxamine chelation to enable non-invasive molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). DFO-scAb conjugates were characterised by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and 89Zr-labelled with high radiolabelling efficiency (99%). [89Zr]Zr-DFO-C1-3 exhibited high in vitro stability (> 99%) in mouse and human sera over 3 days at 25 and 37 °C. Activated hepatic myofibroblasts incubated with [89Zr]Zr-DFO-C1-3 displayed significantly higher internalised activity (59.46%, P = 0.001) compared to the [89Zr]Zr-DFO-CSBD9 control, indicating synaptophysin-mediated uptake and high binding specificity of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-C1-3. Mice with CCl4-induced acute liver damage exhibited significantly higher liver uptake of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-C1-3, compared to controls, confirmed by both Cerenkov imaging and ex vivo gamma counting (4.41 ± 0.19%ID/g, P < 0.0001). CCl4-induced liver damage and the number of hepatic myofibroblasts was confirmed by αSMA staining of liver sections. These findings indicate that [89Zr]Zr-DFO-C1-3 has promising utility as a PET imaging agent for non-invasive detection of hepatic myofibroblasts following acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni A Pringle
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Erik Ramon-Gil
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew C Wright
- Liver Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - James C Knight
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
- Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Preclinical In Vivo Imaging, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Medical School, Newcastle University, 4th Floor William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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25
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Sari D, Gozuacik D, Akkoc Y. Role of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblast activation, signaling and metabolic reprograming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1274682. [PMID: 38234683 PMCID: PMC10791779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors not only consist of cancerous cells, but they also harbor several normal-like cell types and non-cellular components. cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of these cellular components that are found predominantly in the tumor stroma. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and quality control mechanism, and recent studies provided evidence that autophagy played a critical role in CAF formation, metabolic reprograming and tumor-stroma crosstalk. Therefore, shedding light on the autophagy and its role in CAF biology might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the exploitation of more efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we provide an overview about the involvement of autophagy in CAF-related pathways, including transdifferentiation and activation of CAFs, and further discuss the implications of targeting tumor stroma as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyana Sari
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, SUNUM Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
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26
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Balog S, Jeong S, Asahina K. Recruitment of large peritoneal macrophages to capsular fibrosis developed on the liver surface. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23327. [PMID: 38019178 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301187r] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Upon injury to Glisson's capsule, mesothelial cells covering the liver surface differentiate into myofibroblasts and participate in capsular fibrosis. In the fibrotic area, infiltrating macrophages are present, but their origin and role in capsular fibrosis remain elusive. In the present study, we examined whether macrophages in the peritoneal cavity migrate to the liver and participate in capsular fibrosis. Capsular fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine gluconate treatment induced disappearance of CD11bHigh F4/80High large peritoneal macrophages from the peritoneal cavity. Transplantation of TIMD4+ large peritoneal macrophages to the mouse peritoneal cavity resulted in their recruitment to the fibrotic area of the liver. Bone marrow-derived monocytes were also recruited to the chlorhexidine gluconate-induced fibrotic area upon their transplantation to the peritoneal cavity. However, bone marrow-derived macrophages, Kupffer cells, peritoneal B cells, and small peritoneal macrophages prepared from chlorhexidine gluconate-treated mice did not exhibit such potential. In the hepatic fibrotic area, peritoneal macrophages lost expression of unique markers (Gata6, Timd4) and increased expression of genes involved in inflammation (Il1b, Il6, Tnf) and extracellular matrix remodeling (Mmp13, Timp1). Depletion of peritoneal macrophages by clodronate liposomes reduced capsular fibrosis. Our data indicate that large peritoneal macrophages are recruited to the injured liver surface and promote capsular fibrosis by inducing inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Modulating the function of peritoneal macrophages might be a new approach for suppressing capsular fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Balog
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Soi Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kinji Asahina
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Central Research Laboratory, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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27
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Tang PC, Chan MK, Chung JY, Chan AS, Zhang D, Li C, Leung K, Ng CS, Wu Y, To K, Lan H, Tang PM. Hematopoietic Transcription Factor RUNX1 is Essential for Promoting Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302203. [PMID: 37967345 PMCID: PMC10767400 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) is a newly discovered pathway for mass production of pro-tumoral cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in a TGF-β1/Smad3 dependent manner. Better understanding its regulatory signaling in tumor microenvironment (TME) may identify druggable target for the development of precision medicine. Here, by dissecting the transcriptome dynamics of tumor-associated macrophage at single-cell resolution, a crucial role of a hematopoietic transcription factor Runx1 in MMT formation is revealed. Surprisingly, integrative bioinformatic analysis uncovers Runx1 as a key regulator in the downstream of MMT-specific TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Stromal Runx1 level positively correlates with the MMT-derived CAF abundance and mortality in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, macrophage-specific Runx1 promotes the transcription of genes related to CAF signatures in MMT cells at genomic level. Importantly, macrophage-specific genetic deletion and systemic pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/Runx1 signaling effectively prevent MMT-driven CAF and tumor formation in vitro and in vivo, representing a potential therapeutic target for clinical NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu‐Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Max Kam‐Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Jeff Yat‐Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Alex Siu‐Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHunghom999077Hong Kong
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck OncologyWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Kam‐Tong Leung
- Department of PaediatricsThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Calvin Sze‐Hang Ng
- Department of SurgeryThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710061China
| | - Ka‐Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Hui‐Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ming‐Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyState Key Laboratory of Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin999077Hong Kong
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28
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van den Bosch QCC, de Klein A, Verdijk RM, Kiliç E, Brosens E. Uveal melanoma modeling in mice and zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189055. [PMID: 38104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and refined therapeutic options, the survival for metastasized uveal melanoma (UM) patients has not improved significantly. UM, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the uveal tract, can be asymptomatic and small tumors may be detected only during routine ophthalmic exams; making early detection and treatment difficult. UM is the result of a number of characteristic somatic alterations which are associated with prognosis. Although UM morphology and biology have been extensively studied, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the early stages of UM tumor evolution and effective treatment to prevent metastatic disease remain elusive. A better understanding of the mechanisms that enable UM cells to thrive and successfully metastasize is crucial to improve treatment efficacy and survival rates. For more than forty years, animal models have been used to investigate the biology of UM. This has led to a number of essential mechanisms and pathways involved in UM aetiology. These models have also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of various drugs and treatment protocols. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological studies using mouse and zebrafish UM models. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutics and discuss future considerations using UM models such as optimal inoculation sites, use of BAP1mut-cell lines and the rise of zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quincy C C van den Bosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section of Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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29
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Li R, Zhao M, Miao C, Shi X, Lu J. Identification and validation of key biomarkers associated with macrophages in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on hdWGCNA and machine learning. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15451-15472. [PMID: 38147020 PMCID: PMC10781485 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD has attracted increasing attention because of its high prevalence and risk of progression to cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, research into the root causes and molecular indicators of NAFLD is crucial. METHODS We analyzed scRNA-seq data and RNA-seq data from normal and NAFLD liver samples. We utilized hdWGCNA to find module-related genes associated with the phenotype. Multiple machine learning algorithms were used to validate the model diagnostics and further screen for genes that are characteristic of NAFLD. The NAFLD mouse model was constructed using the MCD diet to validate the diagnostic effect of the genes. RESULTS We identified a specific macrophage population called NASH-macrophages by single-cell sequencing analysis. Cell communication analysis and Pseudo-time trajectory analysis revealed the specific role and temporal distribution of NASH-macrophages in NAFLD. The hdWGCNA screening yielded 30 genes associated with NASH-macrophages, and machine learning algorithms screened and obtained two genes characterizing NAFLD. The immune infiltration indicated that these genes were highly associated with macrophages. Notably, we verified by RT-qPCR, IHC, and WB that MAFB and CX3CR1 are highly expressed in the MCD mouse model and may play important roles. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a macrophage population that is closely associated with NAFLD. Using hdWGCNA analysis and multiple machine learning algorithms, we identified two NAFLD signature genes that are highly correlated with macrophages. Our findings may provide potential feature markers and therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingjian Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chengxu Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaojia Shi
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinghui Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Hess A, Gentile SD, Ben Saad A, Rahman R, Habboub T, Pratt DS, Mullen AC. Single-cell transcriptomics stratifies organoid models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113898. [PMID: 37962490 PMCID: PMC10711666 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113898] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing cause of morbidity with limited treatment options. Thus, accurate in vitro systems to test new therapies are indispensable. While recently, human liver organoid models have emerged to assess steatotic liver disease, a systematic evaluation of their translational potential is still missing. Here, we evaluated human liver organoid models of MASLD, comparatively testing disease induction in three conditions: oleic acid, palmitic acid, and TGF-β1. Through single-cell analyses, we find that all three models induce inflammatory signatures, but only TGF-β1 promotes collagen production, fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cell expansion. In striking contrast, oleic acid ameliorates fibrotic signatures and reduces the hepatic stellate cell population. Linking data from each model to gene expression signatures associated with MASLD disease progression further demonstrates that palmitic acid and TGF-β1 more robustly model inflammation and fibrosis. Our findings highlight the importance of stratifying MASLD organoid models by signatures of clinical disease progression, provide a single-cell reference to benchmark future organoid injury models, and allow us to study evolving steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and HSC susceptibility to injury in a dynamic, multi-lineage human in vitro system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Hess
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Present address:
Department of Genome RegulationMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Stefan D Gentile
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Klarman Cell ObservatoryBroad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Amel Ben Saad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Raza‐Ur Rahman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Tim Habboub
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Daniel S Pratt
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Klarman Cell ObservatoryBroad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeMAUSA
- Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Stem Cell InstituteCambridgeMAUSA
- Present address:
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
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31
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Chen N, Liu S, Qin D, Guan D, Chen Y, Hou C, Zheng S, Wang L, Chen X, Chen W, Zhang L. Fate tracking reveals differences between Reelin + hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Desmin + HSCs in activation, migration and proliferation. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13500. [PMID: 37246473 PMCID: PMC10693182 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the main cause of liver fibrogenesis in response to different etiologies of chronic liver injuries. HSCs are heterogeneous, but the lack of specific markers to distinguish different HSC subset hinders the development of targeted therapy for liver fibrosis. In this study, we aim to reveal new HSC subsets by cell fate tracking. We constructed a novel ReelinCreERT2 transgenic mouse model to track the fate of cells expressing Reelin and their progeny (Reelin+ cells). And we investigated the property of Reelin+ cells, such as differentiation and proliferation, in hepatotoxic (carbon tetrachloride; CCl4 ) or cholestatic (bile duct ligation; BDL) liver injury models by immunohistochemistry. Our study revealed that Reelin+ cells were a new HSC subset. In terms of activation, migration, and proliferation, Reelin+ HSCs displayed different properties from Desmin+ HSCs (total HSCs) in cholestatic liver injury model but shared similar properties to total HSCs in hepatotoxic liver injury model. Besides, we did not find evidence that Reelin+ HSCs transdifferentiated into hepatocytes or cholangiocytes through mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). In this study, our genetic cell fate tracking data reveal that ReelinCreERT2-labelled cells are a new HSC subset, which provides new insights into targeted therapy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shenghui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Dan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Dian Guan
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yaqing Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chenjiao Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Songyun Zheng
- College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Kidney DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Lisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio‐medical Center/Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Kong D, Mourtzinos A, Heegsma J, Blokzijl H, de Meijer VE, Faber KN. Growth differentiation factor 7 autocrine signaling promotes hepatic progenitor cell expansion in liver fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:288. [PMID: 37798809 PMCID: PMC10557292 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03493-3] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver fibrosis is prevalent among chronic diseases of the liver and represents a major health burden worldwide. Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the TGFβ protein superfamily, has been recently investigated for its role in repair of injured organs, but its role in chronic liver diseases remains unclear. Here, we examined hepatic GDF7 expression and its association with development and progression of human liver fibrosis. Moreover, we determined the source and target cells of GDF7 in the human liver. METHODS GDF7 expression was analyzed in fibrotic and healthy human liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Cell-specific accumulation of GDF7 was examined by immunofluorescence through co-staining of cell type-specific markers on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human liver tissues. Public single cell RNA sequence databases were analyzed for cell type-specific expression of GDF7. In vitro, human liver organoids and LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were treated with recombinant human GDF7. Human liver organoids were co-cultured with activated LX-2 cells to induce an autocrine signaling circuit of GDF7 in liver organoids. RESULTS GDF7 protein levels were elevated in fibrotic liver tissue, mainly detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In line, GDF7 mRNA was mainly detected in liver parenchymal cells. Expressions of BMPR1A and BMPR2, encoding GDF7 receptors, were readily detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, recombinant GDF7 promoted liver organoid growth and enhanced expression of the progenitor cell markers (LGR5, AXIN2), but failed to activate LX-2 cells. Still, activated LX-2 cells induced GDF7 and LGR5 expression in co-cultured human liver organoids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study reveals a role of GDF7 in liver fibrosis and suggests a potential pro-regenerative function that can be utilized for amelioration of hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Apostolos Mourtzinos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Kim HY, Sakane S, Eguileor A, Carvalho Gontijo Weber R, Lee W, Liu X, Lam K, Ishizuka K, Rosenthal SB, Diggle K, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. The Origin and Fate of Liver Myofibroblasts. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:93-106. [PMID: 37743012 PMCID: PMC10665929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis of different etiologies is a serious health problem worldwide. There is no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis except the removal of the underlying cause of injury or liver transplantation. Development of liver fibrosis is caused by fibrogenic myofibroblasts that are not present in the normal liver, but rather activate from liver resident mesenchymal cells in response to chronic toxic or cholestatic injury. Many studies indicate that liver fibrosis is reversible when the causative agent is removed. Regression of liver fibrosis is associated with the disappearance of activated myofibroblasts and resorption of the fibrous scar. In this review, we discuss the results of genetic tracing and cell fate mapping of hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts, their specific characteristics, and potential phenotypes. We summarize research progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and reversibility of liver fibrosis, including activation, apoptosis, and inactivation of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Alvaro Eguileor
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Raquel Carvalho Gontijo Weber
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Wonseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Kei Ishizuka
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California.
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California.
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Townsend LK, Steinberg GR. AMPK and the Endocrine Control of Metabolism. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:910-933. [PMID: 37115289 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Complex multicellular organisms require a coordinated response from multiple tissues to maintain whole-body homeostasis in the face of energetic stressors such as fasting, cold, and exercise. It is also essential that energy is stored efficiently with feeding and the chronic nutrient surplus that occurs with obesity. Mammals have adapted several endocrine signals that regulate metabolism in response to changes in nutrient availability and energy demand. These include hormones altered by fasting and refeeding including insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1, catecholamines, ghrelin, and fibroblast growth factor 21; adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin; cell stress-induced cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha and growth differentiating factor 15, and lastly exerkines such as interleukin-6 and irisin. Over the last 2 decades, it has become apparent that many of these endocrine factors control metabolism by regulating the activity of the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). AMPK is a master regulator of nutrient homeostasis, phosphorylating over 100 distinct substrates that are critical for controlling autophagy, carbohydrate, fatty acid, cholesterol, and protein metabolism. In this review, we discuss how AMPK integrates endocrine signals to maintain energy balance in response to diverse homeostatic challenges. We also present some considerations with respect to experimental design which should enhance reproducibility and the fidelity of the conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan K Townsend
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Gregory R Steinberg
- Centre for Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Research, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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Jin FC, Chen JJ, Xu QX, Zhou MH, Lin Y, Zhang QW, Zhang CC, Zhang ZG. Kinetin inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and induces apoptosis via interactions with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 475:116655. [PMID: 37579951 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the pathological repair response of the liver to chronic injury; hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the central link in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Previously, we showed that kinetin, a plant cytokinin hormone, has a protective effect on CCl4-induced liver injury in mice. However, the role of kinetin in liver fibrosis remains unclear. We aimed to study these protective effects and to determine the mechanisms by which kinetin mediates HSC activation and apoptosis. For this purpose, the human HSC line LX-2 was treated with 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 24 h to stimulate activation. We found that treatment with kinetin at the sub-cytotoxic dose of 40 μg/ml for 48 h reduced the expression of the HSC activation marker α-SMA and inhibited the secretion of extracellular matrix proteins. In addition, kinetin was found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of LX-2 cells. We found that kinetin induced apoptosis in LX-2 cells by increasing the level of cleaved-caspase 3 and the Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio. Interestingly, these effect were not observed in quiescent HSCs, suggesting that they are activation-dependent. Further study showed that kinetin attenuates activation and promotes apoptosis of LX-2 cells in vitro in part by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chang Jin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing-Jing Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Ming-Hui Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Division of Gastroenterology, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Wei Zhang
- Jianghan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang-Chun Zhang
- Wuhan Sixth Hospital Affiliated to Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen-Gang Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Li S, Yang M, Teng S, Lin K, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo W, Wang D. Chromatin accessibility dynamics in colorectal cancer liver metastasis: Uncovering the liver tropism at single cell resolution. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106896. [PMID: 37633511 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis causes over 90% of cancer related death and no currently available therapies target it. However, there is limited understanding regarding the epigenetic regulation of genes during this complex process. Here by integrating single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), microarray, bulk RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, as well as proteomics datasets from paired primary and liver metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and patients, we discovered that liver metastatic CRC cells lose their colon-specific chromatin accessible sites yet gain liver-specific ones. Importantly, we observed elevated accessibility of HNF4A, a liver-specific transcription factor, in liver metastatic CRC cells. Subsequently, we performed clustering analysis of liver metastatic CRC cells together with cells involved in liver development, revealing significant heterogeneity among the liver metastatic CRC cells. Over 50% of the liver metastatic CRC cells exhibited characteristics similar to those of erythroid progenitors and hepatocytes, showing increased expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Moreover, our discovery further revealed that the MHC and IFN response genes in these cells exhibit moderate epigenetic activity, which is significantly associated with the low objective response rates in checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Our findings uncovered the critical roles of HNF4A and the cell populations within liver metastatic CRC cells might serve as crucial therapeutic targets for addressing liver metastasis and improving the immunotherapy response in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology & Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Mechanistic and Translational Obesity Research, Medical Center for Comprehensive Weight Control, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuaishuai Teng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kequan Lin
- Department of Cardiology of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Haining 314400, China; Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Nam Y, Kim M, Erdenebileg S, Cha KH, Ryu DH, Kim HY, Lee SH, Jung JH, Nho CW. Sanguisorba officinalis L. Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Gut Microbiota in CDAHFD-Induced Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3779. [PMID: 37686810 PMCID: PMC10490207 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173779] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and encompasses non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO) roots have traditionally been used for their antioxidant properties and have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. However, its effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of a 95% ethanolic SO extract (SOEE) on NAFLD and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. The SOEE was orally administered to C57BL/6J mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The SOEE inhibited hepatic steatosis by modulating hepatic malondialdehyde levels and the expression of oxidative stress-associated genes, regulating fatty-acid-oxidation-related genes, and inhibiting the expression of genes that are responsible for fibrosis. The SOEE suppressed the deposition of extracellular matrix hydroxyproline and mRNA expression of fibrosis-associated genes. The SOEE decreased the expression of fibrosis-related genes in vitro by inhibiting SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the SOEE restored the gut microbial diversity and modulated specific bacterial genera associated with NAFLD and fibrosis. This study suggests that SOEE might be the potential candidate for inhibiting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, fatty acid oxidation, and gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseong Nam
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Myungsuk Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Saruul Erdenebileg
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Ryu
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ho Youn Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Su Hyeon Lee
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Je Hyeong Jung
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
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Peixoto MM, Soares-da-Silva F, Bonnet V, Ronteix G, Santos RF, Mailhe MP, Feng X, Pereira JP, Azzoni E, Anselmi G, de Bruijn M, Baroud CN, Pinto-do-Ó P, Cumano A. Spatiotemporal dynamics of cytokines expression dictate fetal liver hematopoiesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554612. [PMID: 37662317 PMCID: PMC10473721 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, yolk-sac and intra-embryonic-derived hematopoietic progenitors, comprising the precursors of adult hematopoietic stem cells, converge into the fetal liver. With a new staining strategy, we defined all non-hematopoietic components of the fetal liver and found that hepatoblasts are the major producers of hematopoietic growth factors. We identified mesothelial cells, a novel component of the stromal compartment, producing Kit ligand, a major hematopoietic cytokine. A high-definition imaging dataset analyzed using a deep-learning based pipeline allowed the unambiguous identification of hematopoietic and stromal populations, and enabled determining a neighboring network composition, at the single cell resolution. Throughout active hematopoiesis, progenitors preferentially associate with hepatoblasts, but not with stellate or endothelial cells. We found that, unlike yolk sac-derived progenitors, intra-embryonic progenitors respond to a chemokine gradient created by CXCL12-producing stellate cells. These results revealed that FL hematopoiesis is a spatiotemporal dynamic process, defined by an environment characterized by low cytokine concentrations.
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Hora S, Wuestefeld T. Liver Injury and Regeneration: Current Understanding, New Approaches, and Future Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:2129. [PMID: 37681858 PMCID: PMC10486351 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ with the ability to regenerate itself in response to injury. However, several factors can contribute to liver damage beyond repair. Liver injury can be caused by viral infections, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in liver injury and regeneration is critical to developing effective therapies for liver diseases. Liver regeneration is a complex process that involves the interplay of various signaling pathways, cell types, and extracellular matrix components. The activation of quiescent hepatocytes that proliferate and restore the liver mass by upregulating genes involved in cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function; the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells, also known as oval cells, into hepatocytes that contribute to liver regeneration; and the recruitment of immune cells to release cytokines and angiogenic factors that promote or inhibit cell proliferation are some examples of the regenerative processes. Recent advances in the fields of gene editing, tissue engineering, stem cell differentiation, small interfering RNA-based therapies, and single-cell transcriptomics have paved a roadmap for future research into liver regeneration as well as for the identification of previously unknown cell types and gene expression patterns. In summary, liver injury and regeneration is a complex and dynamic process. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this phenomenon could lead to the development of new therapies for liver diseases and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shainan Hora
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Torsten Wuestefeld
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic fatty liver disease worldwide, particularly in obese and type 2 diabetic individuals. Currently, there are no therapies for NAFLD that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Herein, we examine the rationale for using ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in NAFLD therapy. This focus is based on the finding that NAFLD severity is associated with a reduction of hepatic C20-22 ω3 PUFAs. Because C20-22 ω3 PUFAs are pleiotropic regulators of cell function, loss of C20-22 ω3 PUFAs has the potential to significantly impact hepatic function. We describe NAFLD prevalence and pathophysiology as well as current NAFLD therapies. We also present evidence from clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated the capacity of C20-22 ω3 PUFAs to treat NAFLD. Given the clinical and preclinical evidence, dietary C20-22 ω3 PUFA supplementation has the potential to decrease human NAFLD severity by reducing hepatosteatosis and liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda H Spooner
- Molecular Nutrition and Diabetes Research Laboratory, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA;
| | - Donald B Jump
- Molecular Nutrition and Diabetes Research Laboratory, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA;
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Lang Z, Li Y, Lin L, Li X, Tao Q, Hu Y, Bao M, Zheng L, Yu Z, Zheng J. Hepatocyte-derived exosomal miR-146a-5p inhibits hepatic stellate cell EMT process: a crosstalk between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:304. [PMID: 37598186 PMCID: PMC10439924 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, Salidroside (Sal) has been demonstrated to suppress hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, a crucial event for liver fibrosis. Moreover, Sal has been reported to decrease hepatocyte injury. A growing number of reports have indicated that the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs is very crucial for liver fibrosis development. Whether Sal-treated hepatocytes could inhibit HSC activation is unclear. Exosomes, as vital vehicles of intercellular communication, have been shown to transfer cargos between hepatocytes and HSCs. Herein, we aimed to investigate the roles of exosomal miRNAs from Sal-treated hepatocytes in HSC activation as well as liver fibrosis. Our results showed that Sal suppressed carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. HSC activation as well as cell proliferation was repressed in HSCs co-cultured with Sal-treated hepatocytes. Interestingly, miR-146a-5p was up-regulated by Sal in CCl4-treated mice. Also, enhanced miR-146a-5p was found in hepatocytes isolated from Sal-treated CCl4 mice and hepatocyte-derived exosomes. Notably, hepatocyte exosomal miR-146a-5p contributed to HSC inactivation. Inhibiting miR-146a-5p in hepatocyte exosomes resulted in reduced E-cadherin (E-cad) and increased desmin in HSCs, indicating that miR-146a-5p caused HSC inactivation via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). miR-146a-5p inhibition-mediated HSC activation and EMT process were blocked down by loss of EIF5A2. Further studies revealed that EIF5A2 was a target of miR-146a-5p. Furthermore, exosomes with miR-146a-5p overexpression inhibited liver fibrosis in CCl4 mice. Collectively, exosomal miR-146a-5p from Sal-treated hepatocytes inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis, at least in part, by suppressing EIF5A2 and EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Lifan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qiqi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Menglu Bao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, 315000, China.
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Park HJ, Choi J, Kim H, Yang DY, An TH, Lee EW, Han BS, Lee SC, Kim WK, Bae KH, Oh KJ. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity during NAFLD progression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1221669. [PMID: 37635938 PMCID: PMC10450943 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1221669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive liver disease that can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (or nonalcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) to NASH as a progressive form of NAFL, which is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning with or without fibrosis. Because of the complex pathophysiological mechanism and the heterogeneity of NAFLD, including its wide spectrum of clinical and histological characteristics, no specific therapeutic drugs have been approved for NAFLD. The heterogeneity of NAFLD is closely associated with cellular plasticity, which describes the ability of cells to acquire new identities or change their phenotypes in response to environmental stimuli. The liver consists of parenchymal cells including hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and nonparenchymal cells including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells, all of which have specialized functions. This heterogeneous cell population has cellular plasticity to adapt to environmental changes. During NAFLD progression, these cells can exert diverse and complex responses at multiple levels following exposure to a variety of stimuli, including fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review provides insights into NAFLD heterogeneity by addressing the cellular plasticity and metabolic adaptation of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells during NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Park
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Choi
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yeon Yang
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyeon An
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Huang J, Huang H, Wang Y, Xu B, Lin M, Han S, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Shuai X. Retinol-binding protein-hijacking nanopolyplex delivering siRNA to cytoplasm of hepatic stellate cell for liver fibrosis alleviation. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122134. [PMID: 37167895 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) is mainly responsible for deposition of extracellular collagen matrix that causes liver fibrosis. Although several siRNAs adequately inhibited HSC activation in vitro, they were demonstrated poor RNAi efficiency in vivo. Developing HSC-targeting and cytoplasmic delivery nanocarrier is highly essential to acquire a desirable siRNA therapeutic index for anti-liver fibrosis. Here, we developed a unique crosslinking nanopolyplex (called T-C-siRNA) modified by vitamin A (VA) with the well-designed natures, including the negative charge, retinol-binding protein (RBP) hijacking, and cytoplasmic siRNA release in response to ROS and cis diol molecules. The nanopolyplex was given a yolk-shell-like shape, camouflage ability in blood, and HSC-targeting capability by hijacking the endogenous ligand RBP via surface VA. PDGFR-β siRNA (siPDGFR-β) supplied via T-C-siPDGFR-β nanopolyplex dramatically reduced HSC activation and its production of pro-fibrogenic proteins in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, T-C-siPDGFR-β nanopolyplex effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver injury, decreased hepatic collagen sediment, and recovered liver function in mice. This study provides a sophisticated method for HSC-targeting cytoplasmic RNA delivery using endogenous ligand hijacking and dual sensitivity of ROS and cis diol compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsheng Huang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Huiling Huang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yiyao Wang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Minzhao Lin
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shisong Han
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Wang Y, Zhong X, He X, Hu Z, Huang H, Chen J, Chen K, Zhao S, Wei P, Li D. Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: pathogenetic development, immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment and therapeutic approaches. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:177. [PMID: 37480104 PMCID: PMC10362774 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is one of the leading causes of death among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in CRC, its benefits are minimal in CRLM. The complex immune landscape of the hepatic tumour microenvironment is essential for the development of a premetastatic niche and for the colonisation and metastasis of CRC cells; thus, an in-depth understanding of these mechanisms can provide effective immunotherapeutic targets for CRLM. This review summarises recent studies on the immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment of CRLM and highlights therapeutic prospects for targeting the suppressive immune microenvironment of CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyang Zhong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng He
- ZJU-UCLA Joint Center for Medical Education and Research, Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zijuan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixia Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keji Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Senlin Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dawei Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Sankar K, Pearson AN, Worlikar T, Perricone MD, Holcomb EA, Mendiratta-Lala M, Xu Z, Bhowmick N, Green MD. Impact of immune tolerance mechanisms on the efficacy of immunotherapy in primary and secondary liver cancers. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:29. [PMID: 37601739 PMCID: PMC10432235 DOI: 10.21037/tgh-23-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a functionally unique organ with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The liver is the sixth most common site of primary cancer in humans and is a frequent site of metastasis from other solid tumors. The development of effective therapies for primary and metastatic liver cancer has been challenging due to the complex metabolic and immune microenvironment of the liver. The liver tumor microenvironment (TME) in primary and secondary (metastatic) liver cancers is heterogenous and consists of unique immune and stromal cell populations. Crosstalk between these cell populations and tumor cells creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment within the liver which potentiates cancer progression. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now clinically approved for the management of primary and secondary liver cancer and can partially overcome liver immune tolerance, but their efficacy is limited. In this review, we describe the liver microenvironment and the use of immunotherapy in primary and secondary liver cancer. We discuss emerging combination strategies utilizing locoregional and systemic therapy approaches which may enhance efficacy of immunotherapy in primary and secondary liver cancer. A deeper understanding of the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the liver will inform novel therapies and therapeutic combinations in order to improve outcomes of patients with primary and secondary liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamya Sankar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ashley N. Pearson
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tejaswi Worlikar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew D. Perricone
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin A. Holcomb
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Neil Bhowmick
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael D. Green
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Kim J, Lee C, Han J, Jeong H, Wang S, Choi YH, Jung Y. Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2023; 12:1658. [PMID: 37371128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121658] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsol Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Pusan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Batudeligen, Han Z, Chen H, Narisu, Xu Y, Anda, Han G. Luteolin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell HSC-T6: A Proteomic Analysis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1819-1829. [PMID: 37360572 PMCID: PMC10285022 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s402864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with single or compound materials is an effective cure for liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in liver fibrosis pathology and have become a novel drug target for this condition. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of four components, SYPA, HSYPA, Apigenin, and Luteolin, from Deduhonghua-7 powder on HSC-T6 cells. Transforming Growth Factor β 1 (TGFβ1)-induced fibrotic cell model and CCI4-induced fibrotic rat model were constructed, the expression of fibrosis-related genes, the pathological changes and serum biochemical markers were evaluated. Proteomic analysis was performed to determine the mechanism by which luteolin attenuated liver fibrosis, which were further confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS Luteolin attenuates liver fibrosis in HSC-T6 cells and luteolin decreases the liver fibrosis index level in vivo. A total of 5000 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were obtained using proteomic analysis. KEGG analysis found that DEPs were concentrated in various metabolic pathways, including DNA replication and repair and lysosomal signaling. GO analysis showed that molecular functions included the activity and binding of various enzymes, related cellular components included the extracellular space, lysosomal lumen, mitochondrial matrix, and nucleus, and biological processes included collagen organization and biosynthesis and the positive regulation of cell migration. Western blot results showed that CCR1, CD59, and NAGA were downregulated in TGFβ1 treatment, while upregulated both in Lut2 and Lut10 treatment. Meanwhile, eight proteins, ITIH3, MKI67, KIF23, DNMT1, P4HA3, CCDC80, APOB, FBLN2, that were upregulated in TGFβ1 treatment, while downregulated both in Lut2 and Lut10 treatment. CONCLUSION Luteolin was shown to have a strong protective effect on liver fibrosis. CCR1, CD59, and NAGA may promote liver fibrosis while ITIH3, MKI67, KIF23, DNMT1, P4HA3, CCDC80, APOB, and FBLN2 may facilitate protection against fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batudeligen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Han
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Narisu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anda
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gegentaoli Han
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
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He YF, Cheng K, Zhong ZT, Hou XL, An CZ, Zhang J, Chen W, Liu B, Yuan J, Zhao YD. Carbon quantum dot fluorescent probe for labeling and imaging of stellate cell on liver frozen section below freezing point. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1260:341210. [PMID: 37121658 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The targeted labeling imaging of stellate cells on liver frozen section by immunofluorescence is a very promising visualization technique to study the distribution of stellate cells in the liver. In this study, water soluble carbon quantum dots that can emit blue, green and yellow fluorescence are synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and their sizes are 3.2, 3.7, and 4.3 nm, respectively. The three carbon quantum dots have good fluorescence stability, and the quantum yields are 36.1%, 26.3% and 21%, respectively. When the mass fraction of KCl in the blue carbon quantum dot dispersion system is 13%, it still maintains the liquid state at -30 °C. The final fluorescent probe is obtained after the carbon quantum dots are coupled with the secondary antibody, spectral characterizations confirm that the conjugate probe still maintains protein immunoactivity and has good stability. Cell experiments prove that the probe has good biocompatibility, the rabbit anti-mouse Desmin antibody is used as the primary antibody, the results of cellular immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry show that the probe can specifically label hepatic stellate cell at -20 °C. The results of liver frozen section experiments show that hepatic stellate cell can be specifically targeted and labeled by the fluorescent probe. This labeling technology provides an important technical means for elucidating the structure and function of the liver at the cellular level, exploring the liver pathological change, and designing and developing drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei He
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zi-Tao Zhong
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiao-Lin Hou
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Zhi An
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bo Liu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuan-Di Zhao
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Ke Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Photonics (HUST), Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, PR China.
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