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Wang B, Li H, Gill G, Zhang X, Tao G, Liu B, Zhai L, Chen W, Wang H, Gu HM, Qin S, Zhang DW. Hepatic Surf4 Deficiency Impairs Serum Amyloid A1 Secretion and Attenuates Liver Fibrosis in Mice. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0435. [PMID: 39105051 PMCID: PMC11298252 DOI: 10.34133/research.0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a severe global health problem. However, no effective antifibrotic drugs have been approved. Surf4 is primarily located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mediates the transport of secreted proteins from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. Knockout of hepatic Surf4 (Surf4 LKO) in mice impairs very-low-density lipoprotein secretion without causing overt liver damage. Here, we found that collagen levels are significantly reduced in the liver of Surf4 LKO mice compared with control Surf4 flox mice, as demonstrated by proteomics, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether and how hepatic Surf4 affects liver fibrosis. We observed that CCl4-induced liver fibrosis is significantly lower in Surf4 LKO mice than in Surf4 flox mice. Mechanistically, hepatic Surf4 deficiency reduces serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) secretion and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Surf4 coimmunoprecipitates and colocalizes with SAA1. Lack of hepatic Surf4 significantly reduces SAA1 secretion from hepatocytes, and SAA1 activates cultured human HSCs (LX-2 cells). Conditioned medium (CM) from Surf4-deficient primary hepatocytes activates LX-2 cells to a much lesser extent than CM from Surf4 flox primary hepatocytes, and this reduced effect is restored by the addition of recombinant SAA1 to CM from Surf4-deficient hepatocytes. Knockdown of SAA1 in primary hepatocytes or TLR2 in LX-2 cells significantly reduces LX-2 activation induced by CM from Surf4 flox hepatocytes but not from Surf4 LKO hepatocytes. Furthermore, knockdown of SAA1 significantly ameliorates liver fibrosis in Surf4 flox mice but does not further reduce liver fibrosis in Surf4 LKO mice. We also observe substantial expression of Surf4 and SAA1 in human fibrotic livers. Therefore, hepatic Surf4 facilitates SAA1 secretion, activates HSCs, and aggravates liver fibrosis, suggesting that hepatic Surf4 and SAA1 may serve as treatment targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxiang Wang
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Huili Li
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Govind Gill
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Geru Tao
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Boyan Liu
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Lei Zhai
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Hong-mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shucun Qin
- School of Clinic and Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan,China
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Da-wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Chen L, Liang W, Zhang K, Wang Z, Cheng W, Li W. To elucidate the mechanism of "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" in goiter by integrated metabolomics and serum pharmaco-chemistry. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1206718. [PMID: 38828449 PMCID: PMC11140129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1206718] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic substances in "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" and the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects against goiter were analyzed through metabolomics and serum pharmaco-chemistry. A rat model of goiter was established using propylthiouracil (PTU), and the animals were treated using "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria." The efficacy of the drug pair was evaluated in terms of thyroid gland histopathology and blood biochemical indices. Serum and urine samples of the rats were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to screen potential biomarkers in urine and the corresponding metabolic pathways. The blood components of "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" were also identified, and their correlation with urine biomarkers was analyzed in order to screen for potential bioactive compounds. "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" mitigated injury to thyroid tissues and normalized the levels of the thyroid hormones FT3, FT4, and TSH. We also identified 22 urine biomarkers related to goiter, of which 19 were regulated by "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria." Moreover, urine biomarkers are involved in tryptophan metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and beta-alanine metabolism, and these pathways may be targeted by the drug pair. In addition, 47 compounds of "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" were detected by serum pharmacochemistry, of which nine components, namely, syringic acid, paeonol, cedrol, and cis-ferulic acid, fetisinine, aucubigenin, linolenic acid, ussuriedine, and 5-(methylsulfanyl)pentanenitrile, were identified as potential effective substances against goiter. To summarize, we characterized the chemical components and mechanisms of "Scrophulariae Radix-Fritillaria" involved in the treatment of goiter, and our findings provide an experimental basis for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | | | | | | | - Wenlan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Tao G, Wang H, Shen Y, Zhai L, Liu B, Wang B, Chen W, Xing S, Chen Y, Gu HM, Qin S, Zhang DW. Surf4 (Surfeit Locus Protein 4) Deficiency Reduces Intestinal Lipid Absorption and Secretion and Decreases Metabolism in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:562-580. [PMID: 36756879 PMCID: PMC10026970 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318980] [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: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postprandial dyslipidemia is a causative risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The majority of absorbed dietary lipids are packaged into chylomicron and then delivered to circulation. Previous studies showed that Surf4 (surfeit locus protein 4) mediates very low-density lipoprotein secretion from hepatocytes. Silencing hepatic Surf4 markedly reduces the development of atherosclerosis in different mouse models of atherosclerosis without causing hepatic steatosis. However, the role of Surf4 in chylomicron secretion is unknown. METHODS We developed inducible intestinal-specific Surf4 knockdown mice (Surf4IKO) using Vil1Cre-ERT2 and Surf4flox mice. Metabolic cages were used to monitor mouse metabolism. Enzymatic kits were employed to measure serum and tissue lipid levels. The expression of target genes was detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Transmission electron microscopy and radiolabeled oleic acid were used to assess the structure of enterocytes and intestinal lipid absorption and secretion, respectively. Proteomics was performed to determine changes in protein expression in serum and jejunum. RESULTS Surf4IKO mice, especially male Surf4IKO mice, displayed significant body weight loss, increased mortality, and reduced metabolism. Surf4IKO mice exhibited lipid accumulation in enterocytes and impaired fat absorption and secretion. Lipid droplets and small lipid vacuoles were accumulated in the cytosol and the endoplasmic reticulum lumen of the enterocytes of Surf4IKO mice, respectively. Surf4 colocalized with apoB and co-immunoprecipitated with apoB48 in differentiated Caco-2 cells. Intestinal Surf4 deficiency also significantly reduced serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels in mice. Proteomics data revealed that diverse pathways were altered in Surf4IKO mice. In addition, Surf4IKO mice had mild liver damage, decreased liver size and weight, and reduced hepatic triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that intestinal Surf4 plays an essential role in lipid absorption and chylomicron secretion and suggest that the therapeutic use of Surf4 inhibition requires highly cell/tissue-specific targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geru Tao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | | | - Lei Zhai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Boyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Bingxiang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Sijie Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (H.-M.G., D.-W.Z.)
| | - Shucun Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China (G.T., H.W., L.Z., B.L., B.W., W.C., S.X., Y.C., S.Q.)
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (H.-M.G., D.-W.Z.)
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Shen Y, Gu HM, Qin S, Zhang DW. Surf4, cargo trafficking, lipid metabolism, and therapeutic implications. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 14:6852946. [PMID: 36574593 PMCID: PMC9929512 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Surfeit 4 is a polytopic transmembrane protein that primarily resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. It is ubiquitously expressed and functions as a cargo receptor, mediating cargo transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus via the canonical coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles or specific vesicles. It also participates in ER-Golgi protein trafficking through a tubular network. Meanwhile, it facilitates retrograde transportation of cargos from the Golgi apparatus to the ER through COPI-coated vesicles. Surf4 can selectively mediate export of diverse cargos, such as PCSK9 very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), progranulin, α1-antitrypsin, STING, proinsulin, and erythropoietin. It has been implicated in facilitating VLDL secretion, promoting cell proliferation and migration, and increasing replication of positive-strand RNA viruses. Therefore, Surf4 plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes and emerges as a promising therapeutic target. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Surf4 selectively sorts diverse cargos for ER-Golgi protein trafficking remain elusive. Here, we summarize the most recent advances in Surf4, focusing on its role in lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishi Shen
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6R 2G3, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6R 2G3, Canada
| | - Shucun Qin
- Institute of Atherosclerosis in Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian 271016, China
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6R 2G3, Canada
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