1
|
Nguyen ED, Ding CKC, Umetsu SE, Ferrell LD, Wen KW. Glutamine synthetase staining patterns in cirrhosis. Hum Pathol 2024; 153:105655. [PMID: 39245221 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Advanced liver fibrosis can regress following the elimination of causative injuries. Glutamine synthetase (GS) immunohistochemical expression is normally in centrizonal perivenular hepatocytes but can be present in periportal hepatocytes in cases of regressed cirrhosis. This study identified periportal staining and investigated the spectrum of GS staining patterns seen in a range of cirrhotic livers with varying disease processes. The hematoxylin and eosin and GS-stained slides of 88 liver resection/explant specimens with advanced fibrosis cases by different causes were reviewed, and trichrome and orcein stains were used to classify cases as progressive, indeterminate, or regressive. Periportal GS staining was seen in 97% of regressive cases and 84% progressive or indeterminate cases. Liver resection specimens with periportal GS staining showed a variety of patterns, including predominantly perivenular, predominantly periseptal, and perinodular staining. The GS periseptal pattern is more common in regressed cirrhosis compared to progressive cases. The perinodular staining was seen in 16 cases resulting from various etiologies, including biliary atresia, steatotic liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis, and viral hepatitis, 75% of which demonstrated cholestasis. This study further subclassified GS staining patterns of "periportal" pattern in cirrhotic liver. Compared to orcein/trichrome staining, GS immunohistochemical staining is not as useful in distinguishing regressed cases from non-regressed cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Sarah E Umetsu
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Linda D Ferrell
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kwun Wah Wen
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McGill MR. The Role of Mechanistic Biomarkers in Understanding Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in Humans. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:729-739. [PMID: 37918967 PMCID: PMC11257692 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity began in 1973 to 1974, when investigators at the US National Institutes of Health published seminal studies demonstrating conversion of APAP to a reactive metabolite that depletes glutathione and binds to proteins in the liver in mice after overdose. Since then, additional groundbreaking experiments have demonstrated critical roles for mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, nuclear DNA fragmentation, and necrotic cell death as well. Over the years, some investigators have also attempted to translate these mechanisms to humans using human specimens from APAP overdose patients. This review presents those studies and summarizes what we have learned about APAP hepatotoxicity in humans so far. Overall, the mechanisms of APAP hepatotoxicity in humans strongly resemble those discovered in experimental mouse and cultured hepatocyte models, and emerging biomarkers also suggest similarities in liver repair. The data not only validate the first mechanistic studies of APAP-induced liver injury performed 50 years ago but also demonstrate the human relevance of numerous studies conducted since then. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Human studies using novel translational, mechanistic biomarkers have confirmed that the fundamental mechanisms of acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity discovered in rodent models since 1973 are the same in humans. Importantly, these findings have guided the development and understanding of treatments such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine and 4-methylpyrazole over the years. Additional research may improve not only our understanding of APAP overdose pathophysiology in humans but also our ability to predict and treat serious liver injury in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R McGill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine; and Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yoshizawa T, Lee JW, Hong SM, Jung D, Noë M, Zbijewski W, Kiemen A, Wu PH, Wirtz D, Hruban RH, Wood LD, Oshima K. Three-dimensional analysis of ductular reactions and their correlation with liver regeneration and fibrosis. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:753-763. [PMID: 37704824 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03641-3] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The liver has multiple regeneration modes, including hepatocellular hypertrophy and self-renewal of hepatocytes. When hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, hepatic progenitor cells may proliferate through ductular reaction (DR), differentiate into hepatocytes, and contribute to fibrosis. However, the three-dimensional spatial relationship between DR and regenerating hepatocytes and dynamic changes in DR associated with fibrosis remain poorly understood. Here, we performed three-dimensional (3D) imaging of cleared 42 liver explants with chronic and acute liver diseases and 4 normal livers to visualize DR. In chronic hepatic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis, the total length and number of branches of DR showed a significant positive correlation. We studied the spatial relationship between DR and GS-expressing cells using glutamine synthetase (GS) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) as markers of liver regeneration and DR, respectively. The percentage of CK19-positive cells that co-expressed GS was less than 10% in chronic liver diseases. In contrast, nearly one-third of CK19-positive cells co-expressed GS in acute liver diseases, and chronic cholestatic liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, showed no co-expression. We also found that DR was longer and had more branching in livers with progressive fibrosis compared to those with regressive fibrosis. Our results suggest that DR displays varying degrees of spatial complexity and contribution to liver regeneration. DR may serve as hepatobiliary junctions that maintain continuity between hepatocytes and bile ducts rather than hepatocyte regeneration in chronic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yoshizawa
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology and Bioscience, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki Aomori, Japan
| | - Jae W Lee
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seung-Mo Hong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - DongJun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Michaël Noë
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wojciech Zbijewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Kiemen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kiyoko Oshima
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao Z, Cui T, Wei F, Zhou Z, Sun Y, Gao C, Xu X, Zhang H. Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1367364. [PMID: 38634048 PMCID: PMC11022604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367364] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tenglu Cui
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Radiotherapy Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Gao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huihan Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jaeschke H, Ramachandran A. Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity: Paradigm for Understanding Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Liver Injury. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:453-478. [PMID: 38265880 PMCID: PMC11131139 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-094016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the clinically most relevant drug hepatotoxicity in western countries, and, because of translational relevance of animal models, APAP is mechanistically the most studied drug. This review covers intracellular signaling events starting with drug metabolism and the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction involving oxidant stress and peroxynitrite. Mitochondria-derived endonucleases trigger nuclear DNA fragmentation, the point of no return for cell death. In addition, adaptive mechanisms that limit cell death are discussed including autophagy, mitochondrial morphology changes, and biogenesis. Extensive evidence supports oncotic necrosis as the mode of cell death; however, a partial overlap with signaling events of apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis is the basis for controversial discussions. Furthermore, an update on sterile inflammation in injury and repair with activation of Kupffer cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and neutrophils is provided. Understanding these mechanisms of cell death led to discovery of N-acetylcysteine and recently fomepizole as effective antidotes against APAP toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; ,
| | - Anup Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei M, Gu X, Li H, Zheng Z, Qiu Z, Sheng Y, Lu B, Wang Z, Ji L. EGR1 is crucial for the chlorogenic acid-provided promotion on liver regeneration and repair after APAP-induced liver injury. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2685-2707. [PMID: 36809385 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09795-9] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Improper use of acetaminophen (APAP) will induce acute liver failure. This study is designed to investigate whether early growth response-1 (EGR1) participated in the promotion on liver repair and regeneration after APAP-induced hepatotoxicity provided by natural compound chlorogenic acid (CGA). APAP induced the nuclear accumulation of EGR1 in hepatocytes regulated by extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2. In Egr1 knockout (KO) mice, the liver damage caused by APAP (300 mg/kg) was more severe than in wild-type (WT) mice. Results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-Seq) manifested that EGR1 could bind to the promoter region in Becn1, Ccnd1, and Sqstm1 (p62) or the catalytic/modify subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gclc/Gclm). Autophagy formation and APAP-cysteine adduct (APAP-CYS) clearance were decreased in Egr1 KO mice administered with APAP. The EGR1 deletion reduced hepatic cyclin D1 expression at 6, 12, or 18 h post APAP administration. Meanwhile, the EGR1 deletion also decreased hepatic p62, Gclc and Gclm expression, GCL enzymatic activity, and glutathione (GSH) content and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation and thus aggravated oxidative liver injury induced by APAP. CGA increased EGR1 nuclear accumulation; enhanced hepatic Ccnd1, p62, Gclc, and Gclm expression; and accelerated the liver regeneration and repair in APAP-intoxicated mice. In conclusion, EGR1 deficiency aggravated liver injury and obviously delayed liver regeneration post APAP-induced hepatotoxicity through inhibiting autophagy, enhancing liver oxidative injury, and retarding cell cycle progression, but CGA promoted the liver regeneration and repair in APAP-intoxicated mice via inducing EGR1 transcriptional activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Wei
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xinnan Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Han Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhiyong Zheng
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhimiao Qiu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuchen Sheng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Bin Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lili Ji
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Paine‐Cabrera D, Harvey LK, Robarts DR, Pritchard MT, Thyfault J, Weinman SA, Apte U, Slowik V. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 correlates with pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:2719-2728. [PMID: 37877453 PMCID: PMC10719457 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13666] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), newly renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), is a leading cause of liver disease in children and adults. There is a paucity of data surrounding potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in pediatric NAFLD. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a chemokine associated with both liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Our aim was to determine associations between LECT2 and common clinical findings of NAFLD in pediatric patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum LECT2 concentrations in children (aged 2-17 years) with and without NAFLD. LECT2 concentrations were then correlated to clinical parameters in NAFLD. Mean LECT2 was significantly elevated in children with NAFLD versus healthy controls (n = 63 vs. 42, 5.83 ± 1.98 vs. 4.02 ± 2.02 ng/mL, p < 0.005). Additionally, LECT2 had strong correlations with body mass index (BMI) (Pearson r = 0.301, p = 0.002). A LECT2 concentration of 3.76 mg/mL predicts NAFLD with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 54.8%. Principal component analysis and logistic regression models further confirmed associations between LECT2 and NAFLD status. This study demonstrates increased serum LECT2 concentrations in pediatric NAFLD, which correlates with BMI and shows strong predictive value within these patients. Our data indicate that LECT2 is a potential diagnostic biomarker of disease and should be further investigated in pediatric as well as adult NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Paine‐Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Lisa K. Harvey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionChildren's Mercy – Kansas CityKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Michele T. Pritchard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - John Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Steven A. Weinman
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- University of Kansas Liver CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Voytek Slowik
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionChildren's Mercy – Kansas CityKansas CityMissouriUSA
- Children's Center for Healthy Lifestyles and NutritionKansas CityMissouriUSA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nejak-Bowen K, Monga SP. Wnt-β-catenin in hepatobiliary homeostasis, injury, and repair. Hepatology 2023; 78:1907-1921. [PMID: 37246413 PMCID: PMC10687322 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000495] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Wnt-β-catenin signaling has emerged as an important regulatory pathway in the liver, playing key roles in zonation and mediating contextual hepatobiliary repair after injuries. In this review, we will address the major advances in understanding the role of Wnt signaling in hepatic zonation, regeneration, and cholestasis-induced injury. We will also touch on some important unanswered questions and discuss the relevance of modulating the pathway to provide therapies for complex liver pathologies that remain a continued unmet clinical need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bragg RM, Coffey SR, Cantle JP, Hu S, Singh S, Legg SR, McHugh CA, Toor A, Zeitlin SO, Kwak S, Howland D, Vogt TF, Monga SP, Carroll JB. Huntingtin loss in hepatocytes is associated with altered metabolism, adhesion, and liver zonation. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302098. [PMID: 37684045 PMCID: PMC10488683 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302098] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease arises from a toxic gain of function in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. As a result, many HTT-lowering therapies are being pursued in clinical studies, including those that reduce HTT RNA and protein expression in the liver. To investigate potential impacts, we characterized molecular, cellular, and metabolic impacts of chronic HTT lowering in mouse hepatocytes. Lifelong hepatocyte HTT loss is associated with multiple physiological changes, including increased circulating bile acids, cholesterol and urea, hypoglycemia, and impaired adhesion. HTT loss causes a clear shift in the normal zonal patterns of liver gene expression, such that pericentral gene expression is reduced. These alterations in liver zonation in livers lacking HTT are observed at the transcriptional, histological, and plasma metabolite levels. We have extended these phenotypes physiologically with a metabolic challenge of acetaminophen, for which the HTT loss results in toxicity resistance. Our data reveal an unexpected role for HTT in regulating hepatic zonation, and we find that loss of HTT in hepatocytes mimics the phenotypes caused by impaired hepatic β-catenin function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Bragg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Sydney R Coffey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Cantle
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Rw Legg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Cassandra A McHugh
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Amreen Toor
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Scott O Zeitlin
- https://ror.org/0153tk833 Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Carroll
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
- https://ror.org/00cvxb145 Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu Y, Guo Y, Liu H, Zhou A, Fan Z, Zhu X, Miao X. Ubiquitin specific peptidase 47 contributes to liver regeneration. Life Sci 2023; 329:121967. [PMID: 37487274 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121967] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocytes resume proliferation following liver injuries to compensate for the loss of liver mass. Robust liver regeneration is an intrinsic and pivotal process that facilitates restoration of liver anatomy and function. In the present study we investigated the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47) in liver regeneration. METHODS AND MATERIALS Proliferation of hepatocytes was evaluated by Ki67 staining in vivo and EdU incorporation in vitro. DNA-protein interaction was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). RESULTS USP47 expression was up-regulated in hepatocytes isolated from mice subjected to partial hepatectomy (PHx) or exposed to HGF treatment. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed E2F1 as a primary regulator of USP47 transcription. Reporter assay and ChIP assay confirmed that E2F1 directly bound to the USP47 promoter and activated USP47 transcription. Consistently, E2F1 knockdown abrogated USP47 induction by HGF. Compared to the wild type littermates, USP47 knockout mice displayed compromised liver regeneration following PHx. In addition, USP47 inhibition by a small-molecule compound impaired liver regeneration in mice. On the contrary, USP47 over-expression enhanced proliferation of hepatocytes in vitro and promoted liver regeneration in mice. Importantly, a positive correlation between USP47 expression and hepatocyte proliferation was identified in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that USP47, transcriptionally activated by E2F1, plays an essential role in liver regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anqi Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Peoples' Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan, China.
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blake MJ, Steer CJ. Liver Regeneration in Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:595-616. [PMID: 37380285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver regeneration is a multifaceted process by which the organ regains its original size and histologic organization. In recent decades, substantial advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying regeneration following loss of hepatic mass. Liver regeneration in acute liver failure possesses several classic pathways, while also exhibiting unique differences in key processes such as the roles of differentiated cells and stem cell analogs. Here we summarize these unique differences and new molecular mechanisms involving the gut-liver axis, immunomodulation, and microRNAs with an emphasis on applications to the patient population through stem cell therapies and prognostication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn J Blake
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu L, Yan J, Zhan Y, Li A, Zhu L, Qian J, Zhou F, Lu X, Fan X. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the dynamics of hepatic non-parenchymal cells in autoprotection against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:926-941. [PMID: 37719199 PMCID: PMC10499594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaining a better understanding of autoprotection against drug-induced liver injury (DILI) may provide new strategies for its prevention and therapy. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the dynamics and functions of hepatic non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in autoprotection against DILI, using acetaminophen (APAP) as a model drug. Autoprotection was modeled through pretreatment with a mildly hepatotoxic dose of APAP in mice, followed by a higher dose in a secondary challenge. NPC subsets and dynamic changes were identified in the APAP (hepatotoxicity-sensitive) and APAP-resistant (hepatotoxicity-resistant) groups. A chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2+ endothelial cell subset almost disappeared in the APAP-resistant group, and an R-spondin 3+ endothelial cell subset promoted hepatocyte proliferation and played an important role in APAP autoprotection. Moreover, the dendritic cell subset DC-3 may protect the liver from APAP hepatotoxicity by inducing low reactivity and suppressing the autoimmune response and occurrence of inflammation. DC-3 cells also promoted angiogenesis through crosstalk with endothelial cells via vascular endothelial growth factor-associated ligand-receptor pairs and facilitated liver tissue repair in the APAP-resistant group. In addition, the natural killer cell subsets NK-3 and NK-4 and the Sca-1-CD62L+ natural killer T cell subset may promote autoprotection through interferon-γ-dependent pathways. Furthermore, macrophage and neutrophil subpopulations with anti-inflammatory phenotypes promoted tolerance to APAP hepatotoxicity. Overall, this study reveals the dynamics of NPCs in the resistance to APAP hepatotoxicity and provides novel insights into the mechanism of autoprotection against DILI at a high resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Yu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314100, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingqi Zhan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Anyao Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314100, China
| | - Lidan Zhu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jingyang Qian
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314100, China
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314100, China
- Innovation Center in Zhejiang University, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, 321016, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314100, China
- Innovation Center in Zhejiang University, State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, 321016, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150023, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shin YS, Hwang DB, Won DH, Kim SY, Kim C, Park JW, Jeon Y, Yun JW. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in drug-induced liver injury by regulating cytochrome P450 2E1 expression. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:443-453. [PMID: 37398564 PMCID: PMC10313641 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00180-6] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of acute liver failure and drug withdrawal. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 is involved in the metabolism of several drugs, and can induce liver injury through the production of toxic metabolites and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CYP2E1 regulation for drug-induced hepatotoxicity. To achieve this, mice were administered cisplatin or acetaminophen (APAP) 1 h after treatment with the CYP2E1 inhibitor dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were performed. APAP treatment induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by an increase in liver weight and serum ALT levels. Moreover, histological analysis indicated severe injury, including apoptosis, in the liver tissue of APAP-treated mice, which was confirmed by TUNEL assay. Additionally, APAP treatment suppressed the antioxidant capacity of the mice and increased the expression of the DNA damage markers γ-H2AX and p53. However, these effects of APAP on hepatotoxicity were significantly attenuated by DMSO treatment. Furthermore, the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using the Wnt agonist CHIR99021 (CHIR) increased CYP2E1 expression in rat liver epithelial cells (WB-F344), whereas treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist IWP-2 inhibited nuclear β-catenin and CYP2E1 expression. Interestingly, APAP-induced cytotoxicity in WB-F344 cells was exacerbated by CHIR treatment and suppressed by IWP-2 treatment. Overall, these results showed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in DILI through the upregulation of CYP2E1 expression by directly binding the transcription factor β-cat/TCF to the Cyp2e1 promoter, thus exacerbating DILI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00180-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Sub Shin
- Department of Research and Development, SML Genetree, Seoul, 05855 Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Bin Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Won
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Young Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Changuk Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jeon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Won Yun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huffman AM, Syed M, Rezq S, Anderson CD, Yanes Cardozo LL, Romero DG. Loss of microRNA-21 protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1907-1925. [PMID: 37179516 PMCID: PMC10919897 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is recognized as the most common cause of ALF in Western societies. APAP-induced ALF is characterized by coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, multi-organ failure, and death. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is dynamically expressed in the liver and is involved in the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic liver injury models. We hypothesize that miR-21genetic ablation attenuates hepatotoxicity following acetaminophen intoxication. Eight-week old miR-21knockout (miR21KO) or wild-type (WT) C57BL/6N male mice were injected with acetaminophen (APAP, 300 mg/kg BW) or saline. Mice were sacrificed 6 or 24 h post-injection. MiR21KO mice presented attenuation of liver enzymes ALT, AST, LDH compared with WT mice 24 h post-APAP treatment. Moreover, miR21KO mice had decreased hepatic DNA fragmentation and necrosis than WT mice after 24 h of APAP treatment. APAP-treated miR21KO mice showed increased levels of cell cycle regulators CYCLIN D1 and PCNA, increased autophagy markers expression (Map1LC3a, Sqstm1) and protein (LC3AB II/I, p62), and an attenuation of the APAP-induced hypofibrinolytic state via (PAI-1) compared with WT mice 24 post-APAP treatment. MiR-21 inhibition could be a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and enhance survival during the regenerative phase, particularly to alter regeneration, autophagy, and fibrinolysis. Specifically, miR-21 inhibition could be particularly useful when APAP intoxication is detected at its late stages and the only available therapy is minimally effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Huffman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Maryam Syed
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Samar Rezq
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Christopher D Anderson
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Licy L Yanes Cardozo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
- Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Damian G Romero
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Women's Health Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bragg RM, Coffey SR, Cantle JP, Hu S, Singh S, Legg SR, McHugh CA, Toor A, Zeitlin SO, Kwak S, Howland D, Vogt TF, Monga SP, Carroll JB. Huntingtin loss in hepatocytes is associated with altered metabolism, adhesion, and liver zonation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.24.546334. [PMID: 37425835 PMCID: PMC10327156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.24.546334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease arises from a toxic gain of function in the huntingtin ( HTT ) gene. As a result, many HTT-lowering therapies are being pursued in clinical studies, including those that reduce HTT RNA and protein expression in the liver. To investigate potential impacts, we characterized molecular, cellular, and metabolic impacts of chronic HTT lowering in mouse hepatocytes. Lifelong hepatocyte HTT loss is associated with multiple physiological changes, including increased circulating bile acids, cholesterol and urea, hypoglycemia, and impaired adhesion. HTT loss causes a clear shift in the normal zonal patterns of liver gene expression, such that pericentral gene expression is reduced. These alterations in liver zonation in livers lacking HTT are observed at the transcriptional, histological and plasma metabolite level. We have extended these phenotypes physiologically with a metabolic challenge of acetaminophen, for which the HTT loss results in toxicity resistance. Our data reveal an unexpected role for HTT in regulating hepatic zonation, and we find that loss of HTT in hepatocytes mimics the phenotypes caused by impaired hepatic β-catenin function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Bragg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Sydney R. Coffey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Jeffrey P. Cantle
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel R.W. Legg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Cassandra A. McHugh
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Amreen Toor
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
| | - Scott O. Zeitlin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | | | | | | | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Carroll
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104-2499
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Liver regeneration is a compensatory response to tissue injury and loss. It is known that liver regeneration plays a crucial role in recovery following acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, which is the major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the US. Regeneration increases proportional to the extent of liver injury upon APAP overdose, ultimately leading to regression of injury and spontaneous recovery in most cases. However, severe APAP overdose results in impaired liver regeneration and unchecked progression of liver injury, leading to failed recovery and mortality. Inter-communication between various cell types in the liver is important for effective regenerative response following APAP hepatotoxicity. Various non-parenchymal cells such macrophages, stellate cells, and endothelial cells produce mediators crucial for proliferation of hepatocytes. Liver regeneration is orchestrated by synchronized actions of several proliferative signaling pathways involving numerous kinases, nuclear receptors, transcription factors, transcriptional co-activators, which are activated by cytokines, growth factors, and endobiotics. Overt activation of anti-proliferative signaling pathways causes cell-cycle arrest and impaired liver regeneration after severe APAP overdose. Stimulating liver regeneration by activating proliferating signaling and suppressing anti-proliferative signaling in liver can prove to be important in developing novel therapeutics for APAP-induced ALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hu S, Cao C, Poddar M, Delgado E, Singh S, Singh-Varma A, Stolz DB, Bell A, Monga SP. Hepatocyte β-catenin loss is compensated by Insulin-mTORC1 activation to promote liver regeneration. Hepatology 2023; 77:1593-1611. [PMID: 35862186 PMCID: PMC9859954 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver regeneration (LR) following partial hepatectomy (PH) occurs via activation of various signaling pathways. Disruption of a single pathway can be compensated by activation of another pathway to continue LR. The Wnt-β-catenin pathway is activated early during LR and conditional hepatocyte loss of β-catenin delays LR. Here, we study mechanism of LR in the absence of hepatocyte-β-catenin. APPROACH AND RESULTS Eight-week-old hepatocyte-specific Ctnnb1 knockout mice (β-catenin ΔHC ) were subjected to PH. These animals exhibited decreased hepatocyte proliferation at 40-120 h and decreased cumulative 14-day BrdU labeling of <40%, but all mice survived, suggesting compensation. Insulin-mediated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) activation was uniquely identified in the β-catenin ΔHC mice at 72-96 h after PH. Deletion of hepatocyte regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (Raptor), a critical mTORC1 partner, in the β-catenin ΔHC mice led to progressive hepatic injury and mortality by 30 dys. PH on early stage nonmorbid Raptor ΔHC -β-catenin ΔHC mice led to lethality by 12 h. Raptor ΔHC mice showed progressive hepatic injury and spontaneous LR with β-catenin activation but died by 40 days. PH on early stage nonmorbid Raptor ΔHC mice was lethal by 48 h. Temporal inhibition of insulin receptor and mTORC1 in β-catenin ΔHC or controls after PH was achieved by administration of linsitinib at 48 h or rapamycin at 60 h post-PH and completely prevented LR leading to lethality by 12-14 days. CONCLUSIONS Insulin-mTORC1 activation compensates for β-catenin loss to enable LR after PH. mTORC1 signaling in hepatocytes itself is critical to both homeostasis and LR and is only partially compensated by β-catenin activation. Dual inhibition of β-catenin and mTOR may have notable untoward hepatotoxic side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Catherine Cao
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Evan Delgado
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Anya Singh-Varma
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Donna Beer Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Robarts DR, Paine-Cabrera D, Kotulkar M, Venneman KK, Gunewardena S, Corton JC, Lau C, Foquet L, Bial G, Apte U. Identifying Human Specific Adverse Outcome Pathways of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Using Liver-Chimeric Humanized Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526711. [PMID: 36778348 PMCID: PMC9915685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants with myriad adverse effects. While perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are the most common contaminants, levels of replacement PFAS, such as perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX), are increasing. In rodents, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX have several adverse effects on the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Objective We aimed to determine human-relevant mechanisms of PFAS induced adverse hepatic effects using FRG liver-chimeric humanized mice with livers repopulated with functional human hepatocytes. Methods Male humanized mice were treated with 0.067 mg/L of PFOA, 0.145 mg/L of PFOS, or 1 mg/L of GenX in drinking water for 28 days. Liver and serum were collected for pathology and clinical chemistry, respectively. RNA-sequencing coupled with pathway analysis was used to determine molecular mechanisms. Results PFOS caused a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and LDL/VLDL, whereas GenX caused a significant elevation in LDL/VLDL with no change in total cholesterol and HDL. PFOA had no significant changes in serum LDL/VLDL and total cholesterol. All three PFAS induced significant hepatocyte proliferation. RNA-sequencing with alignment to the human genome showed a total of 240, 162, and 619 differentially expressed genes after PFOA, PFOS, and GenX exposure, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed inhibition of NR1D1, a transcriptional repressor important in circadian rhythm, as the major common molecular change in all PFAS treatments. PFAS treated mice had significant nuclear localization of NR1D1. In silico modeling showed PFOA, PFOS, and GenX potentially interact with the DNA-binding domain of NR1D1. Discussion These data implicate PFAS in circadian rhythm disruption via inhibition of NR1D1. These studies show that FRG humanized mice are a useful tool for studying the adverse outcome pathways of environmental pollutants on human hepatocytes in situ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kaitlyn K. Venneman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - J. Christopher Corton
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Christopher Lau
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | | | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Phosphorylation-Mediated Activation of β-Catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs Pathway Is an Essential Event in Development of Aggressive Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246062. [PMID: 36551548 PMCID: PMC9775972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HBL), a deadly malignancy in children, is the most common type of pediatric liver cancer. We recently demonstrated that β-catenin, phosphorylated at S675 (ph-S675-β-catenin), causes pathological alterations in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC), by activating oncogenes and fibrotic genes via human genomic regions, known as cancer-enhancing genomic regions or aggressive liver cancer domains (CEGRs/ALCDs). The aim of this study was to determine the role of the ph-S675-β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway in HBL. METHODS The ph-S675-β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway was examined in a large cohort of HBL specimens, in HBL cell lines HepG2 and Huh6, and in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RESULTS β-catenin is phosphorylated at S675 in a large portion of tested HBL patients. In these patients, ph-S675-β-catenin forms complexes with TCF4 and opens CEGRs/ALCDs-dependent oncogenes for transcription, leading to a massive overexpression of the oncogenes. The inhibition of the β-catenin-TCF4-CEGRs/ALCDs axis inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor growth in HBL cell lines and HBL-PDXs. The ph-S675-β-catenin is abundant in mitotic cells. We found that markers of HBL Glypican 3 (GPC3) and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) are increased in HBL patients by β-catenin-TCF4-p300 complexes. CONCLUSIONS The phosphorylation-mediated activation of the β-catenin-TCF4-p300-CEGRs/ALCDs pathway increases oncogene expression in patients with aggressive liver cancer and promotes the development of hepatoblastoma.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hu S, Liu S, Bian Y, Poddar M, Singh S, Cao C, McGaughey J, Bell A, Blazer LL, Adams JJ, Sidhu SS, Angers S, Monga SP. Single-cell spatial transcriptomics reveals a dynamic control of metabolic zonation and liver regeneration by endothelial cell Wnt2 and Wnt9b. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100754. [PMID: 36220068 PMCID: PMC9588996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The conclusive identity of Wnts regulating liver zonation (LZ) and regeneration (LR) remains unclear despite an undisputed role of β-catenin. Using single-cell analysis, we identified a conserved Wnt2 and Wnt9b expression in endothelial cells (ECs) in zone 3. EC-elimination of Wnt2 and Wnt9b led to both loss of β-catenin targets in zone 3, and re-appearance of zone 1 genes in zone 3, unraveling dynamicity in the LZ process. Impaired LR observed in the knockouts phenocopied models of defective hepatic Wnt signaling. Administration of a tetravalent antibody to activate Wnt signaling rescued LZ and LR in the knockouts and induced zone 3 gene expression and LR in controls. Administration of the agonist also promoted LR in acetaminophen overdose acute liver failure (ALF) fulfilling an unmet clinical need. Overall, we report an unequivocal role of EC-Wnt2 and Wnt9b in LZ and LR and show the role of Wnt activators as regenerative therapy for ALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yu Bian
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Cao
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jackson McGaughey
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Levi L Blazer
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jarret J Adams
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stephane Angers
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Annunziato S, Sun T, Tchorz JS. The RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module in liver homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. Hepatology 2022; 76:888-899. [PMID: 35006616 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays pivotal roles during liver development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Likewise, its deregulation disturbs metabolic liver zonation and is responsible for the development of a large number of hepatic tumors. Liver fibrosis, which has become a major health burden for society and a hallmark of NASH, can also be promoted by WNT/β-catenin signaling. Upstream regulatory mechanisms controlling hepatic WNT/β-catenin activity may constitute targets for the development of novel therapies addressing these life-threatening conditions. The R-spondin (RSPO)-leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR) 4/5-zinc and ring finger (ZNRF) 3/ring finger 43 (RNF43) module is fine-tuning WNT/β-catenin signaling in several tissues and is essential for hepatic WNT/β-catenin activity. In this review article, we recapitulate the role of the RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module during liver development, homeostasis, metabolic zonation, regeneration, and disease. We further discuss the controversy around LGR5 as a liver stem cell marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Annunziato
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tianliang Sun
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan S Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen F, Tchorz JS. Multicellular dynamics of zonal liver regeneration mapped in space and time. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:871-872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
23
|
Ben-Moshe S, Veg T, Manco R, Dan S, Papinutti D, Lifshitz A, Kolodziejczyk AA, Bahar Halpern K, Elinav E, Itzkovitz S. The spatiotemporal program of zonal liver regeneration following acute injury. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:973-989.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
24
|
Cai X, Cai H, Wang J, Yang Q, Guan J, Deng J, Chen Z. Molecular pathogenesis of acetaminophen-induced liver injury and its treatment options. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:265-285. [PMID: 35403383 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acetaminophen, also known as N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), is commonly used as an antipyretic and analgesic agent. APAP overdose can induce hepatic toxicity, known as acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI). However, therapeutic doses of APAP can also induce AILI in patients with excessive alcohol intake or who are fasting. Hence, there is a need to understand the potential pathological mechanisms underlying AILI. In this review, we summarize three main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AILI: hepatocyte necrosis, sterile inflammation, and hepatocyte regeneration. The relevant factors are elucidated and discussed. For instance, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) protein adducts trigger mitochondrial oxidative/nitrosative stress during hepatocyte necrosis, danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released to elicit sterile inflammation, and certain growth factors contribute to liver regeneration. Finally, we describe the current potential treatment options for AILI patients and promising novel strategies available to researchers and pharmacists. This review provides a clearer understanding of AILI-related mechanisms to guide drug screening and selection for the clinical treatment of AILI patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Huiqiang Cai
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jun Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jingwen Deng
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. , .,Department of Pathology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. ,
| | - Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hönes GS, Kerp H, Hoppe C, Kowalczyk M, Zwanziger D, Baba HA, Führer D, Moeller LC. Canonical Thyroid Hormone Receptor β Action Stimulates Hepatocyte Proliferation in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6509895. [PMID: 35038735 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT 3,5,3'-L-triiodothyronine (T3) is a potent inducer of hepatocyte proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Previous studies suggested the involvement of rapid noncanonical thyroid hormone receptor (TR) β signaling, directly activating hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling independent from TRβ DNA binding. However, the mechanism by which T3 increases Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatocytes has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether DNA binding of TRβ is required for stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation by T3. METHODS Wild-type (WT) mice, TRβ knockout mice (TRβ KO), and TRβ mutant mice with either specifically abrogated DNA binding (TRβ GS) or abrogated direct phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase activation (TRβ 147F) were treated with T3 for 6 hours or 7 days. Hepatocyte proliferation was assessed by Kiel-67 (Ki67) staining and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Activation of β-catenin signaling was measured in primary murine hepatocytes. Gene expression was analyzed by microarray, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS T3 induced hepatocyte proliferation with an increased number of Ki67-positive cells in WT and TRβ 147F mice (9.2% ± 6.5% and 10.1% ± 2.9%, respectively) compared to TRβ KO and TRβ GS mice (1.2% ± 1.1% and 1.5% ± 0.9%, respectively). Microarray analysis and GSEA showed that genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-among them, Fzd8 (frizzled receptor 8) and Ctnnb1 (β-catenin)-were positively enriched only in T3-treated WT and TRβ 147F mice while B-cell translocation gene anti-proliferation factor 2 was repressed. Consequently, expression of Ccnd1 (CyclinD1) was induced. CONCLUSIONS Instead of directly activating Wnt signaling, T3 and TRβ induce key genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, ultimately stimulating hepatocyte proliferation via CyclinD1. Thus, canonical transcriptional TRβ action is necessary for T3-mediated stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Sebastian Hönes
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Helena Kerp
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Hoppe
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manuela Kowalczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Zwanziger
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Christian Moeller
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
RNF43/ZNRF3 loss predisposes to hepatocellular-carcinoma by impairing liver regeneration and altering the liver lipid metabolic ground-state. Nat Commun 2022; 13:334. [PMID: 35039505 PMCID: PMC8764073 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27923-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF43/ZNRF3 negatively regulate WNT signalling. Both genes are mutated in several types of cancers, however, their contribution to liver disease is unknown. Here we describe that hepatocyte-specific loss of Rnf43/Znrf3 results in steatohepatitis and in increase in unsaturated lipids, in the absence of dietary fat supplementation. Upon injury, Rnf43/Znrf3 deletion results in defective hepatocyte regeneration and liver cancer, caused by an imbalance between differentiation/proliferation. Using hepatocyte-, hepatoblast- and ductal cell-derived organoids we demonstrate that the differentiation defects and lipid alterations are, in part, cell-autonomous. Interestingly, ZNRF3 mutant liver cancer patients present poorer prognosis, altered hepatic lipid metabolism and steatohepatitis/NASH signatures. Our results imply that RNF43/ZNRF3 predispose to liver cancer by controlling the proliferative/differentiation and lipid metabolic state of hepatocytes. Both mechanisms combined facilitate the progression towards malignancy. Our findings might aid on the management of those RNF43/ZNRF3 mutated individuals at risk of developing fatty liver and/or liver cancer.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ayers M, Liu S, Singhi AD, Kosar K, Cornuet P, Nejak-Bowen K. Changes in beta-catenin expression and activation during progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis predict disease recurrence. Sci Rep 2022; 12:206. [PMID: 34997170 PMCID: PMC8741932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, chronic, cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. We have previously demonstrated the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse models of PSC. In this study, we wished to determine the clinical relevance of β-catenin localization in patient samples. In livers explanted from patients diagnosed with PSC, the majority (12/16; 75%) lacked β-catenin protein expression. Biopsies from patients post-transplant were classified as recurrent or non-recurrent based on pathology reports and then scored for β-catenin activation as a function of immunohistochemical localization. Despite lack of statistical significance, patients with recurrent primary disease (n = 11) had a greater percentage of samples with nuclear, transcriptionally active β-catenin (average 58.8%) than those with no recurrence (n = 10; 40.53%), while non-recurrence is correlated with β-catenin staining at the cell surface (average 52.63% for non-recurrent vs. 27.34% for recurrent), as determined by three different methods of analysis. β-catenin score and years-to-endpoint are both strongly associated with recurrence status (p = 0.017 and p = 0.00063, respectively). Finally, there was significant association between higher β-catenin score and increased alkaline phosphatase, a marker of biliary injury and disease progression. Thus, β-catenin expression and activation changes during the progression of PSC, and its localization may be a useful prognostic tool for predicting recurrence of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ayers
- grid.239553.b0000 0000 9753 0008Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Karis Kosar
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Pamela Cornuet
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, S405A-BST, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA. .,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hadjittofi C, Feretis M, Martin J, Harper S, Huguet E. Liver regeneration biology: Implications for liver tumour therapies. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:1101-1156. [PMID: 35070734 PMCID: PMC8716989 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i12.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver has remarkable regenerative potential, with the capacity to regenerate after 75% hepatectomy in humans and up to 90% hepatectomy in some rodent models, enabling it to meet the challenge of diverse injury types, including physical trauma, infection, inflammatory processes, direct toxicity, and immunological insults. Current understanding of liver regeneration is based largely on animal research, historically in large animals, and more recently in rodents and zebrafish, which provide powerful genetic manipulation experimental tools. Whilst immensely valuable, these models have limitations in extrapolation to the human situation. In vitro models have evolved from 2-dimensional culture to complex 3 dimensional organoids, but also have shortcomings in replicating the complex hepatic micro-anatomical and physiological milieu. The process of liver regeneration is only partially understood and characterized by layers of complexity. Liver regeneration is triggered and controlled by a multitude of mitogens acting in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine ways, with much redundancy and cross-talk between biochemical pathways. The regenerative response is variable, involving both hypertrophy and true proliferative hyperplasia, which is itself variable, including both cellular phenotypic fidelity and cellular trans-differentiation, according to the type of injury. Complex interactions occur between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, and regeneration is affected by the status of the liver parenchyma, with differences between healthy and diseased liver. Finally, the process of termination of liver regeneration is even less well understood than its triggers. The complexity of liver regeneration biology combined with limited understanding has restricted specific clinical interventions to enhance liver regeneration. Moreover, manipulating the fundamental biochemical pathways involved would require cautious assessment, for fear of unintended consequences. Nevertheless, current knowledge provides guiding principles for strategies to optimise liver regeneration potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hadjittofi
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrookes Hospital, NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research and Academic Health Sciences Center, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Feretis
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrookes Hospital, NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research and Academic Health Sciences Center, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Martin
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrookes Hospital, NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research and Academic Health Sciences Center, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Harper
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrookes Hospital, NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research and Academic Health Sciences Center, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Huguet
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrookes Hospital, NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research and Academic Health Sciences Center, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Poudel S, Cabrera DP, Bhushan B, Manley MW, Gunewardena S, Jaeschke H, Apte U. Hepatocyte-Specific Deletion of Yes-Associated Protein Improves Recovery From Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:276-285. [PMID: 34546377 PMCID: PMC8633918 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is the major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the Western world with very limited treatment options. Previous studies from our groups and others have shown that timely activation of liver regeneration is a critical determinant of transplant-free survival of APAP-induced ALF patients. Here, we report that hepatocyte-specific deletion of Yes-associated protein (Yap), the downstream mediator of the Hippo Kinase signaling pathway results in faster recovery from APAP-induced acute liver injury. Initial studies performed with male C57BL/6J mice showed a rapid activation of Yap and its target genes within first 24 h after APAP administration. Treatment of hepatocyte-specific Yap knockout (Yap-KO) mice with 300 mg/kg APAP resulted in equal initial liver injury but a significantly accelerated recovery in Yap-KO mice. The recovery was accompanied by significantly rapid hepatocyte proliferation supported by faster activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, Yap-KO mice had significantly earlier and higher pro-regenerative inflammatory response following APAP overdose. Global gene expression analysis indicated that Yap-KO mice had a robust activation of transcription factors involved in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress (XBP1) and maintaining hepatocyte differentiation (HNF4α). In conclusion, these data indicate that inhibition of Yap in hepatocytes results in rapid recovery from APAP overdose due to an earlier activation of liver regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samikshya Poudel
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Diego Paine Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Michael W Manley
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Korver S, Bowen J, Pearson K, Gonzalez RJ, French N, Park K, Jenkins R, Goldring C. The application of cytokeratin-18 as a biomarker for drug-induced liver injury. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3435-3448. [PMID: 34322741 PMCID: PMC8492595 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03121-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent and dangerous adverse effect faced during preclinical and clinical drug therapy. DILI is a leading cause of candidate drug attrition, withdrawal and in clinic, is the primary cause of acute liver failure. Traditional diagnostic markers for DILI include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Yet, these routinely used diagnostic markers have several noteworthy limitations, restricting their sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in diagnosing DILI. Consequently, new biomarkers for DILI need to be identified.A potential biomarker for DILI is cytokeratin-18 (CK18), an intermediate filament protein highly abundant in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Extensively researched in a variety of clinical settings, both full length and cleaved forms of CK18 can diagnose early-stage DILI and provide insight into the mechanism of hepatocellular injury compared to traditionally used diagnostic markers. However, relatively little research has been conducted on CK18 in preclinical models of DILI. In particular, CK18 and its relationship with DILI is yet to be characterised in an in vivo rat model. Such characterization of CK18 and ccCK18 responses may enable their use as translational biomarkers for hepatotoxicity and facilitate management of clinical DILI risk in drug development. The aim of this review is to discuss the application of CK18 as a biomarker for DILI. Specifically, this review will highlight the properties of CK18, summarise clinical research that utilised CK18 to diagnose DILI and examine the current challenges preventing the characterisation of CK18 in an in vivo rat model of DILI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Korver
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Joanne Bowen
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Neil French
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kevin Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosalind Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Goldring
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen S, Tang Y, Fang W, He T, Chen X, Zhang P. CoQ10 promotes resolution of necrosis and liver regeneration after acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Toxicol Sci 2021; 185:19-27. [PMID: 34668565 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which acts as an electron transporter in the mitochondrial respiratory chain has many beneficial effects on liver diseases. In our previous research, CoQ10 has been found to attenuate acetaminophen (APAP) induced acute liver injury (ALI). However, whether CoQ10 administration is still effective at the late stage of APAP overdose is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to test CoQ10 efficacy at the late stage of APAP overdose. C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally treated with APAP to induce liver injury. CoQ10 (5 mg/kg) was given to mice at 16 hours after APAP treatment. The results showed that while CoQ10 treatment at 16 hours post-APAP overdose had no effects on the expression of ROS generated genes or scavenged genes, it still significantly decreased necrosis of hepatocytes following APAP-induced ALI. Moreover, CoQ10 increased MerTK+ macrophages accumulation in the APAP-overdose liver and inhibition of MerTK signaling partly abrogated the protective role of CoQ10 treatment on the hepatic necrosis. CoQ10 treatment also significantly enhanced hepatocytes proliferation as shown in the increased BrdU incorporation in the APAP-intoxicated mice liver section. In addition, CoQ10 treatment increased hepatic PCNA and Cyclin D1 expression and promoted activation of the β-catenin signaling in APAP-overdose mice. To conclude, these data provide evidence that CoQ10 treatment is still effective at the late stage of APAP-induced ALI and promotes resolution of necrosis and liver regeneration following ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shen Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjun Fang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Taiping He
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwen Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hu S, Russell JO, Liu S, Cao C, McGaughey J, Rai R, Kosar K, Tao J, Hurley E, Poddar M, Singh S, Bell A, Shin D, Raeman R, Singhi AD, Nejak-Bowen K, Ko S, Monga SP. β-Catenin-NF-κB-CFTR interactions in cholangiocytes regulate inflammation and fibrosis during ductular reaction. eLife 2021; 10:71310. [PMID: 34609282 PMCID: PMC8555990 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) during ductular reaction (DR) is observed in liver diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), and associated with inflammation and fibrosis, albeit without complete understanding of underlying mechanism. Using two different genetic mouse knockouts of β-catenin, one with β-catenin loss is hepatocytes and BECs (KO1), and another with loss in only hepatocytes (KO2), we demonstrate disparate long-term repair after an initial injury by 2-week choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented diet. KO2 show gradual liver repopulation with BEC-derived β-catenin-positive hepatocytes and resolution of injury. KO1 showed persistent loss of β-catenin, NF-κB activation in BECs, progressive DR and fibrosis, reminiscent of CF histology. We identify interactions of β-catenin, NFκB, and CF transmembranous conductance regulator (CFTR) in BECs. Loss of CFTR or β-catenin led to NF-κB activation, DR, and inflammation. Thus, we report a novel β-catenin-NFκB-CFTR interactome in BECs, and its disruption may contribute to hepatic pathology of CF. The liver has an incredible capacity to repair itself or ‘regenerate’ – that is, it has the ability to replace damaged tissue with new tissue. In order to do this, the organ relies on hepatocytes (the cells that form the liver) and bile duct cells (the cells that form the biliary ducts) dividing and transforming into each other to repair and replace damaged tissue, in case the insult is dire. During long-lasting or chronic liver injury, bile duct cells undergo a process called ‘ductular reaction’, which causes the cells to multiply and produce proteins that stimulate inflammation, and can lead to liver scarring (fibrosis). Ductular reaction is a hallmark of severe liver disease, and different diseases exhibit ductular reactions with distinct features. For example, in cystic fibrosis, a unique type of ductular reaction occurs at late stages, accompanied by both inflammation and fibrosis. Despite the role that ductular reaction plays in liver disease, it is not well understood how it works at the molecular level. Hu et al. set out to investigate how a protein called β-catenin – which can cause many types of cells to proliferate – is involved in ductular reaction. They used three types of mice for their experiments: wild-type mice, which were not genetically modified; and two strains of genetically modified mice. One of these mutant mice did not produce β-catenin in biliary duct cells, while the other lacked β-catenin both in biliary duct cells and in hepatocytes. After a short liver injury – which Hu et al. caused by feeding the mice a specific diet – the wild-type mice were able to regenerate and repair the liver without exhibiting any ductular reaction. The mutant mice that lacked β-catenin in hepatocytes showed a temporary ductular reaction, and ultimately repaired their livers by turning bile duct cells into hepatocytes. On the other hand, the mutant mice lacking β-catenin in both hepatocytes and bile duct cells displayed sustained ductular reactions, inflammation and fibrosis, which looked like that seen in patients with liver disease associated to cystic fibrosis. Further probing showed that β-catenin interacts with a protein called CTFR, which is involved in cystic fibrosis. When bile duct cells lack either of these proteins, another protein called NF-B gets activated, which causes the ductular reaction, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. The findings of Hu et al. shed light on the role of β-catenin in ductular reaction. Further, the results show a previously unknown interaction between β-catenin, CTFR and NF-B, which could lead to better treatments for cystic fibrosis in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jacquelyn O Russell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Catherine Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jackson McGaughey
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Ravi Rai
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Karis Kosar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Donghun Shin
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Reben Raeman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Significance: During aging, excessive production of reactive species in the liver leads to redox imbalance with consequent oxidative damage and impaired organ homeostasis. Nevertheless, slight amounts of reactive species may modulate several transcription factors, acting as second messengers and regulating specific signaling pathways. These redox-dependent alterations may impact the age-associated decline in liver regeneration. Recent Advances: In the last few decades, relevant findings related to redox alterations in the aging liver were investigated. Consistently, recent research broadened understanding of redox modifications and signaling related to liver regeneration. Other than reporting the effect of oxidative stress, epigenetic and post-translational modifications, as well as modulation of specific redox-sensitive cellular signaling, were described. Among them, the present review focuses on Wnt/β-catenin, the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), members of the Forkhead box O (FoxO) family, and the p53 tumor suppressor. Critical Issues: Even though alteration in redox homeostasis occurs both in aging and in impaired liver regeneration, the associative mechanisms are not clearly defined. Of note, antioxidants are not effective in slowing hepatic senescence, and do not clearly improve liver repopulation after hepatectomy or transplant in humans. Future Directions: Further investigations are needed to define mutual redox-dependent molecular pathways involved both in aging and in the decline of liver regeneration. Preclinical studies aimed at the characterization of these pathways would define possible therapeutic targets for human trials. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 832-847.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Compact RNA editors with small Cas13 proteins. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 40:194-197. [PMID: 34462587 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01030-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13 systems have been developed for precise RNA editing, and can potentially be used therapeutically when temporary changes are desirable or when DNA editing is challenging. We have identified and characterized an ultrasmall family of Cas13b proteins-Cas13bt-that can mediate mammalian transcript knockdown. We have engineered compact variants of REPAIR and RESCUE RNA editors by functionalizing Cas13bt with adenosine and cytosine deaminase domains, and demonstrated packaging of the editors within a single adeno-associated virus.
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The liver is uniquely bestowed with an ability to regenerate following a surgical or toxicant insult. One of the most researched models to demonstrate the regenerative potential of this organ is the partial hepatectomy model, where two thirds of the liver is surgically resected. The remnant liver replenishes the lost mass within 1014 days in mice. The distinctive ability of the liver to regenerate has allowed living donor and split liver transplantation. One signaling pathway shown to be activated during the process of regeneration to contribute toward the mass and functional recovery of the liver is the Wnt/-catenin pathway. Very early after any insult to the liver, the cellmolecule circuitry of the Wnt/-catenin pathway is set into motion with the release of specific Wnt ligands from sinusoidal endothelial cells and macrophages, which, in a paracrine manner, engage Frizzled and LDL-related protein-5/6 coreceptors on hepatocytes to stabilize -catenin inducing its nuclear translocation. Nuclear -catenin interacts with T-cell factor family of transcription factors to induce target genes including cyclin D1 for proliferation, and others for regulating hepatocyte function. Working in collaboration with other signaling pathways, Wnt/-catenin signaling contributes to the restoration process without any compromise of function at any stage. Also, stimulation of this pathway through innovative means induces liver regeneration when this process is exhausted or compromised and thus has applications in the treatment of end-stage liver disease and in the field of liver transplantation. Thus, Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway is highly relevant in the discipline of hepatic regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- *School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- §Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huck I, Morris EM, Thyfault J, Apte U. Hepatocyte-Specific Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha (HNF4) Deletion Decreases Resting Energy Expenditure by Disrupting Lipid and Carbohydrate Homeostasis. Gene Expr 2021; 20:157-168. [PMID: 33691903 PMCID: PMC8201658 DOI: 10.3727/105221621x16153933463538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4) is required for hepatocyte differentiation and regulates expression of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism including those that control VLDL secretion and gluconeogenesis. Whereas previous studies have focused on specific genes regulated by HNF4 in metabolism, its overall role in whole-body energy utilization has not been studied. In this study, we used indirect calorimetry to determine the effect of hepatocyte-specific HNF4 deletion (HNF4-KO) in mice on whole-body energy expenditure (EE) and substrate utilization in fed, fasted, and high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. HNF4-KO had reduced resting EE during fed conditions and higher rates of carbohydrate oxidation with fasting. HNF4-KO mice exhibited decreased body mass caused by fat mass depletion despite no change in energy intake and evidence of positive energy balance. HNF4-KO mice were able to upregulate lipid oxidation during HFD, suggesting that their metabolic flexibility was intact. However, only hepatocyte-specific HNF4-KO mice exhibited significant reduction in basal metabolic rate and spontaneous activity during HFD. Consistent with previous studies, hepatic gene expression in HNF4-KO supports decreased gluconeogenesis and decreased VLDL export and hepatic -oxidation in HNF4-KO livers across all feeding conditions. Together, our data suggest that deletion of hepatic HNF4 increases dependence on dietary carbohydrates and endogenous lipids for energy during fed and fasted conditions by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, hepatic lipid export, and intestinal lipid absorption resulting in decreased whole-body energy expenditure. These data clarify the role of hepatic HNF4 on systemic metabolism and energy homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Huck
- *Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - E. Matthew Morris
- †Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John Thyfault
- †Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- ‡Research Service, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- *Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
β-Catenin Activation in Hepatocellular Cancer: Implications in Biology and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081830. [PMID: 33921282 PMCID: PMC8069637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is a dreadful tumor which has gradually increased in incidence all around the world. One major driver of liver cancer is the Wnt–β-catenin pathway which is active in a subset of these tumors. While this pathway is normally important in liver development, regeneration and homeostasis, it’s excessive activation due to mutations, is detrimental and leads to tumor cell growth, making it an important therapeutic target. There are also some unique characteristics of this pathway activation in liver cancer. It makes the tumor addicted to specific amino acids and in turn to mTOR signaling, which can be treated by certain existing therapies. In addition, activation of the Wnt–β-catenin in liver cancer appears to alter the immune cell landscape making it less likely to respond to the new immuno-oncology treatments. Thus, Wnt–β-catenin active tumors may need to be treated differently than non-Wnt–β-catenin active tumors. Abstract Hepatocellular cancer (HCC), the most common primary liver tumor, has been gradually growing in incidence globally. The whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing of HCC has led to an improved understanding of the molecular drivers of this tumor type. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, mostly due to stabilizing missense mutations in its downstream effector β-catenin (encoded by CTNNB1) or loss-of-function mutations in AXIN1 (the gene which encodes for Axin-1, an essential protein for β-catenin degradation), are seen in a major subset of HCC. Because of the important role of β-catenin in liver pathobiology, its role in HCC has been extensively investigated. In fact, CTNNB1 mutations have been shown to have a trunk role. β-Catenin has been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and survival and in tumor angiogenesis, due to a host of target genes regulated by the β-catenin transactivation of its transcriptional factor TCF. Proof-of-concept preclinical studies have shown β-catenin to be a highly relevant therapeutic target in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs. More recently, studies have revealed a unique role of β-catenin activation in regulating both tumor metabolism as well as the tumor immune microenvironment. Both these roles have notable implications for the development of novel therapies for HCC. Thus, β-catenin has a pertinent role in driving HCC development and maintenance of this tumor-type, and could be a highly relevant therapeutic target in a subset of HCC cases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhou Z, Qi J, Yang D, Yang MS, Jeong H, Lim CW, Kim JW, Kim B. Exogenous activation of toll-like receptor 5 signaling mitigates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicol Lett 2021; 342:58-72. [PMID: 33571619 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury (ALI). Our results showed that toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) was abundantly expressed in hepatocytes and dramatically downregulated in the toxic mouse livers. Hence, we herein investigated the role of TLR5 signaling after APAP overdose. Mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with APAP to induce ALI, and then injected with flagellin at one hour after APAP administration. Flagellin attenuated APAP-induced ALI based on decreased histopathologic lesions, serum biochemical, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Furthermore, the protective effects of flagellin were abolished by TH1020 (a TLR5 antagonist) treatment. These results suggest that flagellin exerted protective effects on ALI via TLR5 activation. Mechanistically, flagellin injection promoted the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the nucleus in hepatocytes. Consistent with the in vivo results, flagellin increased the activation of Nrf2 in hepatocytes, resulting in decreased APAP toxicity. ML385, a selective inhibitor of Nrf2, abolished the flagellin-mediated hepatoprotective effects in damaged livers and hepatocytes. Additionally, the flagellin-induced Nrf2 translocation was dependent upon the activation of TLR5-JNK/p38 pathways. These findings suggest that TLR5 signaling-induced Nrf2 activation, at least partially, contributed to the protection against APAP-induced ALI by flagellin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixiong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No. 1, Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Qi
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No. 1, Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Daram Yang
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeon-Sik Yang
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuneui Jeong
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Woong Lim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Won Kim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea; Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Bumseok Kim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Walesky CM, Kolb KE, Winston CL, Henderson J, Kruft B, Fleming I, Ko S, Monga SP, Mueller F, Apte U, Shalek AK, Goessling W. Functional compensation precedes recovery of tissue mass following acute liver injury. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5785. [PMID: 33214549 PMCID: PMC7677389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a central role in metabolism, protein synthesis and detoxification. It possesses unique regenerative capacity upon injury. While many factors regulating cellular proliferation during liver repair have been identified, the mechanisms by which the injured liver maintains vital functions prior to tissue recovery are unknown. Here, we identify a new phase of functional compensation following acute liver injury that occurs prior to cellular proliferation. By coupling single-cell RNA-seq with in situ transcriptional analyses in two independent murine liver injury models, we discover adaptive reprogramming to ensure expression of both injury response and core liver function genes dependent on macrophage-derived WNT/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, transcriptional compensation is most prominent in non-proliferating cells, clearly delineating two temporally distinct phases of liver recovery. Overall, our work describes a mechanism by which the liver maintains essential physiological functions prior to cellular reconstitution and characterizes macrophage-derived WNT signals required for this compensation. The liver possesses the ability to regenerate following sudden injury. Here, the authors use single-cell RNA-sequencing and in situ transcriptional analyses to identify a new phase of liver regeneration in mice aimed at maintaining essential functions throughout the regenerative process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Walesky
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kellie E Kolb
- Institute of Medical Engineering & Science (IMES), Department of Chemistry, and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Carolyn L Winston
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jake Henderson
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin Kruft
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ira Fleming
- Institute of Medical Engineering & Science (IMES), Department of Chemistry, and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Florian Mueller
- Imaging and Modeling Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3691CNRS, C3BI USR 3756 IP CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Alex K Shalek
- Institute of Medical Engineering & Science (IMES), Department of Chemistry, and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02134, USA. .,Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bhushan B, Apte U. Acetaminophen Test Battery (ATB): A Comprehensive Method to Study Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury. Gene Expr 2020; 20:125-138. [PMID: 32443984 PMCID: PMC7650012 DOI: 10.3727/105221620x15901763757677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the Western world. Extensive research is ongoing to identify the mechanisms of APAP-induced ALF. APAP-induced acute liver injury is also one of the most commonly studied drug-induced liver injury models in the field of hepatotoxicity. APAP toxicity is triphasic and includes three mechanistically interlinked but temporally distinct phases of initiation, progression, and recovery/regeneration. Despite how commonly it is studied, the methods to study APAP toxicity differ significantly, often leading to confusing and contradictory data. There are number of reviews on mechanisms of APAP toxicity, but a detailed mechanism-based comprehensive method and list of assays that covers all phases of APAP hepatotoxicity are missing. The goal of this review is to provide a standard protocol and guidelines to study APAP toxicity in mice including a test battery that can help investigators to comprehensively analyze APAP toxicity in the specific context of their hypothesis. Further, we will identify the major roadblocks and common technical problems that can significantly affect the results. This acetaminophen test battery (ATB) will be an excellent guide for scientists studying this most common and clinically relevant drug-induced liver injury and will also be helpful as a roadmap for hypothesis development to study novel mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhushan
- *Department of Pathology and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- †Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mak KM, Shin DW. Hepatic sinusoids versus central veins: Structures, markers, angiocrines, and roles in liver regeneration and homeostasis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 304:1661-1691. [PMID: 33135318 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The blood circulates through the hepatic sinusoids delivering nutrients and oxygen to the liver parenchyma and drains into the hepatic central vein, yet the structures and phenotypes of these vessels are distinctively different. Sinusoidal endothelial cells are uniquely fenestrated, lack basal lamina and possess organelles involved in endocytosis, pinocytosis, degradation, synthesis and secretion. Hepatic central veins are nonfenestrated but are also active in synthesis and secretion. Endothelial cells of sinusoids and central veins secrete angiocrines that play respective roles in hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis. The list of markers for identifying sinusoidal endothelial cells is long and their terminologies are complex. Further, their uses vary in different investigations and, in some instances, could be confusing. Central vein markers are fewer but more distinctive. Here we analyze and categorize the molecular pathways/modules associated with the sinusoid-mediated liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy and chemical-induced acute or chronic injury. Similarly, we highlight the findings that central vein-derived angiocrines interact with Wnt/β-catenin in perivenous hepatocytes to direct gene expression and maintain pericentral metabolic zonation. The proposal that perivenous hepatocytes behave as stem/progenitor cells to provoke hepatic homeostatic cell renewal is reevaluated and newer concepts of broad zonal distribution of hepatocyte proliferation in liver homeostasis and regeneration are updated. Thus, this review integrates the structures, biology and physiology of liver sinusoids and central veins in mediating hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki M Mak
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Da Wi Shin
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Current etiological comprehension and therapeutic targets of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
43
|
Akakpo JY, Ramachandran A, Jaeschke H. Novel strategies for the treatment of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:1039-1050. [PMID: 32862728 PMCID: PMC7606761 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1817896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the western world. Despite extensive investigations into the mechanisms of cell death, only a single antidote, N-acetylcysteine, is in clinical use. However, there have recently been more efforts made to translate mechanistic insight into identification of therapeutic targets and potential new drugs for this indication. AREAS COVERED After a short review of the key events in the pathophysiology of APAP-induced liver injury and recovery, the pros and cons of targeting individual steps in the pathophysiology as therapeutic targets are discussed. While the re-purposed drug fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole) and the new entity calmangafodipir are most advanced based on the understanding of their mechanism of action, several herbal medicine extracts and their individual components are also considered. EXPERT OPINION Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole) is safe and has shown efficacy in preclinical models, human hepatocytes and in volunteers against APAP overdose. The safety of calmangafodipir in APAP overdose patients was shown but it lacks solid preclinical efficacy studies. Both drugs require a controlled phase III trial to achieve regulatory approval. All studies of herbal medicine extracts and components suffer from poor experimental design, which questions their clinical utility at this point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jephte Y. Akakpo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Anup Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160 USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McGill MR, Hinson JA. The development and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen: reviewing over a century of progress. Drug Metab Rev 2020; 52:472-500. [PMID: 33103516 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2020.1832112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) was first synthesized in the 1800s, and came on the market approximately 65 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most used drugs in the world. However, it is also a major cause of acute liver failure. Early investigations of the mechanisms of toxicity revealed that cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze formation of a reactive metabolite in the liver that depletes glutathione and covalently binds to proteins. That work led to the introduction of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antidote for APAP overdose. Subsequent studies identified the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, specific P450 enzymes involved, the mechanism of P450-mediated oxidation, and major adducted proteins. Significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms downstream of metabolism, but several events appear critical. These events include development of an initial oxidative stress, reactive nitrogen formation, altered calcium flux, JNK activation and mitochondrial translocation, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, the mitochondrial permeability transition, and nuclear DNA fragmentation. Additional research is necessary to complete our knowledge of the toxicity, such as the source of the initial oxidative stress, and to greatly improve our understanding of liver regeneration after APAP overdose. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to additional treatment options. Even though NAC is an excellent antidote, its effectiveness is limited to the first 16 hours following overdose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R McGill
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jack A Hinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hu C, Zhao L, Wu Z, Li L. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives effectively promotes liver regeneration to attenuate acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:88. [PMID: 32106875 PMCID: PMC7047366 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury is a common clinical phenomenon that not only occurs in a dose-dependent manner but also occurs in some idiosyncratic individuals in a dose-independent manner. APAP overdose generally results in acute liver injury via the initiation of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, liver inflammation, and microcirculatory dysfunction. Liver transplantation is the only effective strategy for treating APAP-induced liver failure, but liver transplantation is inhibited by scarce availability of donor liver grafts, acute graft rejection, lifelong immunosuppression, and unbearable costs. Currently, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively restores liver functions early after APAP intake, but it does not protect against APAP-induced injury at the late stage. An increasing number of animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly attenuate acute liver injury through their migratory capacity, hepatogenic differentiation, immunoregulatory capacity, and paracrine effects in acute liver failure (ALF). In this review, we comprehensively discuss the mechanisms of APAP overdose-induced liver injury and current therapies for treating APAP-induced liver injury. We then comprehensively summarize recent studies about transplantation of MSC and MSC derivatives for treating APAP-induced liver injury. We firmly believe that MSCs and their derivatives will effectively promote liver regeneration and liver injury repair in APAP overdose-treated animals and patients. To this end, MSC-based therapies may serve as an effective strategy for patients who are waiting for liver transplantation during the early and late stages of APAP-induced ALF in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxia Hu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfei Zhao
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongwen Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bhushan B, Gunewardena S, Edwards G, Apte U. Comparison of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure: A global picture based on transcriptome analysis. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 139:111186. [PMID: 32045647 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver regenerates following surgical removal and after drug-induced liver injury (DILI). However, most of the mechanisms of liver regeneration were identified using partial hepatectomy (PHX) model rather than using DILI models. We compared mechanisms of liver regeneration following PHX and after acetaminophen (APAP) overdose, a DILI model, using transcriptomic approach. Kinetics of hepatocyte proliferation and global gene expression profiles were studied in male C57BL/6J mice either subjected to PHX or following APAP overdose. Liver regeneration was much more synchronized after PHX as compared to APAP overdose. Transcriptomics analysis revealed activation of common upstream regulators in both models including growth factors HGF, EGF and VEGF; and cytokines IL6 and TNFα. However, magnitude of activation and temporality was significantly differed between the two models. HGF and VEGF showed similar activation between PHX and APAP but activation of EGF was significantly stronger in the APAP model. Activation of IL6 and TNFα transcriptional programs was delayed but remarkably higher in APAP. These dissimilarities could be attributed to inherent differences in the two models including significant injury and inflammation exclusively in the APAP model. This study highlights need to study mechanisms of liver regeneration after DILI separately from the mechanisms of regeneration PHX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Genea Edwards
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Greenbaum LE, Ukomadu C, Tchorz JS. Clinical translation of liver regeneration therapies: A conceptual road map. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113847. [PMID: 32035080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of severe liver diseases worldwide has resulted in a high demand for curative liver transplantation. Unfortunately, the need for transplants by far eclipses the availability of suitable grafts leaving many waitlisted patients to face liver failure and often death. Routine use of smaller grafts (for example left lobes, split livers) from living or deceased donors could increase the number of life-saving transplants but is often limited by the graft versus recipient weight ratio defining the safety margins that minimize the risk of small for size syndrome (SFSS). SFSS is a severe complication characterized by failure of a small liver graft to regenerate and occurs when a donor graft is insufficient to meet the metabolic demand of the recipient, leading to liver failure as a result of insufficient liver mass. SFSS is not limited to transplantation but can also occur in the setting of hepatic surgical resections, where life-saving large resections of tumors may be limited by concerns of post-surgical liver failure. There are, as yet no available pro-regenerative therapies to enable liver regrowth and thus prevent SFSS. However, there is optimism around targeting factors and pathways that have been identified as regulators of liver regeneration to induce regrowth in vivo and ex vivo for clinical use. In this commentary, we propose a roadmap for developing such pro-regenerative therapy and for bringing it into the clinic. We summarize the clinical indications, preclinical models, pro-regenerative pathways and safety considerations necessary for developing such a drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda E Greenbaum
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, East Hanover, NJ, United States.
| | - Chinweike Ukomadu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Cambridge, MA, United States.
| | - Jan S Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Koblihová E, Mrázová I, Vaňourková Z, Maxová H, Kikerlová S, Husková Z, Ryska M, Froněk J, Vernerová Z. Pharmacological stimulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway attenuates the course of thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure. Physiol Res 2019; 69:113-126. [PMID: 31852203 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is known for extremely high mortality rate, the result of widespread damage of hepatocytes. Orthotopic liver transplantation is the only effective therapy but its application is limited by the scarcity of donor organs. Given the importance in the liver biology of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, we hypothesized that its stimulation could enhance hepatocyte regeneration and attenuate the course of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced ALF in Lewis rats. Chronic treatment with Wnt agonist was started either immediately after hepatotoxic insult ("early treatment") or when signs of ALF had developed ("late treatment"). Only 23 % of untreated Lewis rats survived till the end of experiment. They showed marked increases in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and bilirubin and ammonia (NH3) levels; plasma albumin decreased significantly. "Early" and "late" Wnt agonist treatment raised the final survival rate to 69 % and 63 %, respectively, and normalized ALT, NH3, bilirubin and albumin levels. In conclusion, the results show that treatment with Wnt agonist attenuates the course of TAA-induced ALF in Lewis rats, both with treatment initiated immediately after hepatotoxic insult and in the phase when ALF has already developed. Thus, the pharmacological stimulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway can present a new approach to ALF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Koblihová
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Muhammad-Azam F, Nur-Fazila SH, Ain-Fatin R, Mustapha Noordin M, Yimer N. Histopathological changes of acetaminophen-induced liver injury and subsequent liver regeneration in BALB/C and ICR mice. Vet World 2019; 12:1682-1688. [PMID: 32009746 PMCID: PMC6925052 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1682-1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Laboratory mice are widely used as a research model to provide insights into toxicological studies of various xenobiotic. Acetaminophen (APAP) is an antipyretic and analgesic drug that is commonly known as paracetamol, an ideal hepatotoxicant to exhibit centrilobular necrosis in laboratory mice to resemble humans. However, assessment of histopathological changes between mouse strains is important to decide the optimal mouse model used in APAP toxicity study. Therefore, we aim to assess the histomorphological features of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) in BALB/C and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five ICR mice and 20 BALB/C mice were used where five animals as control and the rest were randomly divided into four time points at 5, 10, 24 and 48 hours post-dosing (hpd). They were induced with 500 mg/kg APAP intraperitoneally. Liver sections were processed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and histopathological changes were scored based on grading methods. Results: Intense centrilobular damage was observed as early as 5 hpd in BALB/C as compared to ICR mice, which was observed at 10 hpd. The difference of liver injury between ICR and BALB/C mice is due to dissimilarity in the genetic line-up that related to different elimination pathways of APAP toxicity. However, at 24 hpd, the damage was markedly subsided and liver regeneration had taken place for both ICR and BALB/C groups with evidence of mitotic figures. This study showed that normal liver architecture was restored after the clearance of toxic insult. Conclusion: AILI was exhibited earlier in BALB/C than ICR mice but both underwent liver recovery at later time points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazil Muhammad-Azam
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raslan Ain-Fatin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Mustapha Noordin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurhusien Yimer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Increased Expression of Adherens Junction Components in Mouse Liver following Bile Duct Ligation. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100636. [PMID: 31652629 PMCID: PMC6843439 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherens junctions, consisting of cadherins and catenins, are a group of cell-to-cell junctions that mediate mechanistic linkage between neighboring cells. By doing so, adherens junctions ensure direct intercellular contact and play an indispensable role in maintaining tissue architecture. Considering these critical functions, it is not surprising that adherens junctions are frequently involved in disease. In the present study, the effects of bile duct ligation—a surgical procedure to experimentally induce cholestatic and fibrotic liver pathology—on hepatic adherens junctions were investigated in mice. In essence, it was found that liver mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin and γ-catenin drastically increase following bile duct ligation. These results could suggest a cytoprotective role for hepatic adherens junctions following bile duct ligation.
Collapse
|