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Pham HN, Pham L, Sato K. Deconvolution analysis identified altered hepatic cell landscape in primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1327973. [PMID: 38818402 PMCID: PMC11138208 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1327973] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are characterized by ductular reaction, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Hepatic cells are heterogeneous, and functional roles of different hepatic cell phenotypes are still not defined in the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. Cell deconvolution analysis estimates cell fractions of different cell phenotypes in bulk transcriptome data, and CIBERSORTx is a powerful deconvolution method to estimate cell composition in microarray data. CIBERSORTx performs estimation based on the reference file, which is referred to as signature matrix, and allows users to create custom signature matrix to identify specific phenotypes. In the current study, we created two custom signature matrices using two single cell RNA sequencing data of hepatic cells and performed deconvolution for bulk microarray data of liver tissues including PSC and PBC patients. Methods Custom signature matrix files were created using single-cell RNA sequencing data downloaded from GSE185477 and GSE115469. Custom signature matrices were validated for their deconvolution performance using validation data sets. Cell composition of each hepatic cell phenotype in the liver, which was identified in custom signature matrices, was calculated by CIBERSORTx and bulk RNA sequencing data of GSE159676. Deconvolution results were validated by analyzing marker expression for the cell phenotype in GSE159676 data. Results CIBERSORTx and custom signature matrices showed comprehensive performance in estimation of population of various hepatic cell phenotypes. We identified increased population of large cholangiocytes in PSC and PBC livers, which is in agreement with previous studies referred to as ductular reaction, supporting the effectiveness and reliability of deconvolution analysis in this study. Interestingly, we identified decreased population of small cholangiocytes, periportal hepatocytes, and interzonal hepatocytes in PSC and PBC liver tissues compared to healthy livers. Discussion Although further studies are required to elucidate the roles of these hepatic cell phenotypes in cholestatic liver injury, our approach provides important implications that cell functions may differ depending on phenotypes, even in the same cell type during liver injury. Deconvolution analysis using CIBERSORTx could provide a novel approach for studies of specific hepatic cell phenotypes in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Nam Pham
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Pham
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University—Central Texas, Killeen, TX, United States
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Prajapati M, Quenneville CB, Zhang JZ, Chong GS, Chiu L, Ma B, Ward LD, Tu HC, Bartnikas TB. AAV-mediated hepatic expression of SLC30A10 and the Thr95Ile variant attenuates manganese excess and other phenotypes in Slc30a10-deficient mice. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105732. [PMID: 38336290 PMCID: PMC10933546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The manganese (Mn) export protein SLC30A10 is essential for Mn excretion via the liver and intestines. Patients with SLC30A10 deficiency develop Mn excess, dystonia, liver disease, and polycythemia. Recent genome-wide association studies revealed a link between the SLC30A10 variant T95I and markers of liver disease. The in vivo relevance of this variant has yet to be investigated. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we explore the impact of the T95I variant on SLC30A10 function. While SLC30A10 I95 expressed at lower levels than T95 in transfected cell lines, both T95 and I95 variants protected cells similarly from Mn-induced toxicity. Adeno-associated virus 8-mediated expression of T95 or I95 SLC30A10 using the liver-specific thyroxine binding globulin promoter normalized liver Mn levels in mice with hepatocyte Slc30a10 deficiency. Furthermore, Adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of T95 or I95 SLC30A10 normalized red blood cell parameters and body weights and attenuated Mn levels and differential gene expression in livers and brains of mice with whole body Slc30a10 deficiency. While our in vivo data do not indicate that the T95I variant significantly compromises SLC30A10 function, it does reinforce the notion that the liver is a key site of SLC30A10 function. It also supports the idea that restoration of hepatic SLC30A10 expression is sufficient to attenuate phenotypes in SLC30A10 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milankumar Prajapati
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Jared Z Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Grace S Chong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lauren Chiu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Bangyi Ma
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucas D Ward
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ho-Chou Tu
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Thomas B Bartnikas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Hua H, Zhao QQ, Kalagbor MN, Yu GZ, Liu M, Bian ZR, Zhang BB, Yu Q, Xu YH, Tang RX, Zheng KY, Yan C. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8-mediated inhibition of microRNA let-7a ameliorates sclerosing cholangitis in a clinically relevant mouse model. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:471-484. [PMID: 38414587 PMCID: PMC10895596 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i5.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by chronic inflammation and it predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma due to lack of effective treatment options. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) provides a promising platform for gene therapy on such kinds of diseases. A microRNA (miRNA) let-7a has been reported to be associated with the progress of PSC but the potential therapeutic implication of inhibition of let-7a on PSC has not been evaluated. AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of inhibition of a miRNA let-7a transferred by recombinant adeno-associated virus 8 (rAAV8) on a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis. METHODS A xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis was induced by 0.1% 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk. A single dose of rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges or scramble control was injected in vivo into mice onset of DDC feeding. Upon sacrifice, the liver and the serum were collected from each mouse. The hepatobiliary injuries, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. The targets of let-7a-5p and downstream molecule NF-κB were detected using Western blot. RESULTS rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges can depress the expression of let-7a-5p in mice after DDC feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk. The reduced expression of let-7a-5p can alleviate hepato-biliary injuries indicated by serum markers, and prevent the proliferation of cholangiocytes and biliary fibrosis. Furthermore, inhibition of let-7a mediated by rAAV8 can increase the expression of potential target molecules such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and Dectin1, which consequently inhibit of NF-κB-mediated hepatic inflammation. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that a rAAV8 vector designed for liver-specific inhibition of let-7a-5p can potently ameliorate symptoms in a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis, which provides a possible clinical translation of PSC of human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miriam Nkesichi Kalagbor
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guo-Zhi Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Man Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Rui Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei-Bei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin-Hai Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ren-Xian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
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Iqbal A, Van Hul N, Belicova L, Corbat AA, Hankeova S, Andersson ER. Spatially segregated defects and IGF1-responsiveness of hilar and peripheral biliary organoids from a model of Alagille syndrome. Liver Int 2024; 44:541-558. [PMID: 38014627 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alagille syndrome (ALGS) manifests with peripheral intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) paucity, which can spontaneously resolve. In a model for ALGS, Jag1Ndr/Ndr mice, this occurs with distinct architectural mechanisms in hilar and peripheral IHBDs. Here, we investigated region-specific IHBD characteristics and addressed whether IGF1, a cholangiocyte mitogen that is downregulated in ALGS and in Jag1Ndr/Ndr mice, can improve biliary outcomes. METHODS Intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs) were derived from hilar and peripheral adult Jag1+/+ and Jag1Ndr/Ndr livers (hICOs and pICOs, respectively). ICOs were grown in Matrigel or microwell arrays, and characterized using bulk RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, and high throughput analyses of nuclear sizes. ICOs were treated with IGF1, followed by analyses of growth, proliferation, and death. CellProfiler and Python scripts were custom written for image analyses. Key results were validated in vivo by immunostaining. RESULTS Cell growth assays and transcriptomics demonstrated that Jag1Ndr/Ndr ICOs were less proliferative than Jag1+/+ ICOs. IGF1 specifically rescued survival and growth of Jag1Ndr/Ndr pICOs. Jag1Ndr/Ndr hICOs were the least proliferative, with lower Notch signalling and an enrichment of hepatocyte signatures and IGF uptake/transport pathways. In vitro (Jag1Ndr/Ndr hICOs) and in vivo (Jag1Ndr/Ndr hilar portal tracts) analyses revealed ectopic HNF4a+ hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Hilar and peripheral Jag1Ndr/Ndr ICOs exhibit differences in Notch signalling status, proliferation, and cholangiocyte commitment which may result in cholangiocyte-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation. While Jag1Ndr/Ndr pICOs can be rescued by IGF1, hICOs are unresponsive, perhaps due to their hepatocyte-like state and/or expression of IGF transport components. IGF1 represents a potential therapeutic for peripheral bile ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshan Iqbal
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noemi Van Hul
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lenka Belicova
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agustin A Corbat
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simona Hankeova
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma R Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hadi M, Qutaiba B Allela O, Jabari M, Jasoor AM, Naderloo O, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Kalantari L. Recent advances in various adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy agents in hepatocellular carcinoma. Virol J 2024; 21:17. [PMID: 38216938 PMCID: PMC10785434 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02286-1] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, which is scientifically referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant concern in the field of global health. It has been demonstrated that conventional chemotherapy, chemo-hormonal therapy, and conformal radiotherapy are ineffective against HCC. New therapeutic approaches are thus urgently required. Identifying single or multiple mutations in genes associated with invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and growth regulation has resulted in a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular genetic underpinnings of malignant transformation, tumor advancement, and host interaction. This enhanced comprehension has notably propelled the development of novel therapeutic agents. Therefore, gene therapy (GT) holds great promise for addressing the urgent need for innovative treatments in HCC. However, the complexity of HCC demands precise and effective therapeutic approaches. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) distinctive life cycle and ability to persistently infect dividing and nondividing cells have rendered it an alluring vector. Another appealing characteristic of the wild-type virus is its evident absence of pathogenicity. As a result, AAV, a vector that lacks an envelope and can be modified to transport DNA to specific cells, has garnered considerable interest in the scientific community, particularly in experimental therapeutic strategies that are still in the clinical stage. AAV vectors emerge as promising tools for HCC therapy due to their non-immunogenic nature, efficient cell entry, and prolonged gene expression. While AAV-mediated GT demonstrates promise across diverse diseases, the current absence of ongoing clinical trials targeting HCC underscores untapped potential in this context. Furthermore, gene transfer through hepatic AAV vectors is frequently facilitated by GT research, which has been propelled by several congenital anomalies affecting the liver. Notwithstanding the enthusiasm associated with this notion, recent discoveries that expose the integration of the AAV vector genome at double-strand breaks give rise to apprehensions regarding their enduring safety and effectiveness. This review explores the potential of AAV vectors as versatile tools for targeted GT in HCC. In summation, we encapsulate the multifaceted exploration of AAV vectors in HCC GT, underlining their transformative potential within the landscape of oncology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meead Hadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mansoureh Jabari
- Medical Campus, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Asna Mahyazadeh Jasoor
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Naderloo
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Gorgan Breanch, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | | | - Leila Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Liu G, Wang L, Wess J, Dean A. Enhancer looping protein LDB1 regulates hepatocyte gene expression by cooperating with liver transcription factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9195-9211. [PMID: 36018801 PMCID: PMC9458430 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancers establish proximity with distant target genes to regulate temporospatial gene expression and specify cell identity. Lim domain binding protein 1 (LDB1) is a conserved and widely expressed protein that functions as an enhancer looping factor. Previous studies in erythroid cells and neuronal cells showed that LDB1 forms protein complexes with different transcription factors to regulate cell-specific gene expression. Here, we show that LDB1 regulates expression of liver genes by occupying enhancer elements and cooperating with hepatic transcription factors HNF4A, FOXA1, TCF7 and GATA4. Using the glucose transporter SLC2A2 gene, encoding GLUT2, as an example, we find that LDB1 regulates gene expression by mediating enhancer-promoter interactions. In vivo, we find that LDB1 deficiency in primary mouse hepatocytes dysregulates metabolic gene expression and changes the enhancer landscape. Conditional deletion of LDB1 in adult mouse liver induces glucose intolerance. However, Ldb1 knockout hepatocytes show improved liver pathology under high-fat diet conditions associated with increased expression of genes related to liver fatty acid metabolic processes. Thus, LDB1 is linked to liver metabolic functions under normal and obesogenic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyou Liu
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Guoyou Liu. Tel: +1 301 435 9396;
| | - Lei Wang
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jürgen Wess
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ann Dean
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 301 496 6068;
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Fu Q, Ohnishi S, Suda G, Sakamoto N. Small-molecule inhibitor cocktail promotes the proliferation of pre-existing liver progenitor cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1589-1603. [PMID: 35777357 PMCID: PMC9287679 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent study showed that a cocktail of three small molecules, Y-27632, A83-01, and CHIR99021 (YAC), converts mature hepatocytes (MHs) into proliferative bipotent cells that can be induced into MHs and cholangiocytes in rats. However, when we reproduced these experiments, it was found that bipotent cells may be derived from resident liver progenitor cells (LPCs), whose proliferative activity was promoted by YAC. A simple and efficient sorting scheme was also developed in this study to harvest high-purity and high-yield LPCs. The inducible bipotency of purified LPCs was verified; in addition, they were found to spontaneously differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes due to changes in proliferative status even without induction. Moreover, during the differentiation process, some hepatocytes spontaneously reconverted to LPCs under certain conditions, such as the release of contact inhibition. These findings may improve our understanding of LPCs and provide a cell source for regenerative medicine. A small-molecule cocktail promotes rat liver progenitor proliferation in vitro Highly purified progenitors can be simply obtained by their physical properties Purified progenitors preferentially proliferate and then spontaneously differentiate Progenitor differentiation is closely related to varied proliferation signals
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjie Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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Kiourtis C, Wilczynska A, Nixon C, Clark W, May S, Bird TG. Specificity and off-target effects of AAV8-TBG viral vectors for the manipulation of hepatocellular gene expression in mice. Biol Open 2021; 10:271899. [PMID: 34435198 PMCID: PMC8487635 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice are a widely used pre-clinical model system in large part due to their potential for genetic manipulation. The ability to manipulate gene expression in specific cells under temporal control is a powerful experimental tool. The liver is central to metabolic homeostasis and a site of many diseases, making the targeting of hepatocytes attractive. Adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) vectors are valuable instruments for the manipulation of hepatocellular gene expression. However, their off-target effects in mice have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we sought to identify the short-term off-target effects of AAV8 administration in mice. To do this, we injected C57BL/6J wild-type mice with either recombinant AAV8 vectors expressing Cre recombinase or control AAV8 vectors and characterised the changes in general health and in liver physiology, histology and transcriptomics compared to uninjected controls. We observed an acute and transient trend for reduction in homeostatic liver proliferation together with induction of the DNA damage marker γH2AX following AAV8 administration. The latter was enhanced upon Cre recombinase expression by the vector. Furthermore, we observed transcriptional changes in genes involved in circadian rhythm and response to infection. Notably, there were no additional transcriptomic changes upon expression of Cre recombinase by the AAV8 vector. Overall, there was no evidence of liver injury, and only mild T-cell infiltration was observed 14 days following AAV8 infection. These data advance the technique of hepatocellular genome editing through Cre-Lox recombination using Cre expressing AAV vectors, demonstrating their minimal effects on murine physiology and highlight the more subtle off target effects of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Kiourtis
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ania Wilczynska
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - William Clark
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Stephanie May
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Thomas G Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.,MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH164TJ, UK
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