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Mavila N, Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah M, Kennedy J. Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression-An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38607018 PMCID: PMC11011399 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mallikarjuna Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaquelene Kennedy
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
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2
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Ruz-Maldonado I, Gonzalez JT, Zhang H, Sun J, Bort A, Kabir I, Kibbey RG, Suárez Y, Greif DM, Fernández-Hernando C. Heterogeneity of hepatocyte dynamics restores liver architecture after chemical, physical or viral damage. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1247. [PMID: 38341404 PMCID: PMC10858916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45439-0] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Midlobular hepatocytes are proposed to be the most plastic hepatic cell, providing a reservoir for hepatocyte proliferation during homeostasis and regeneration. However, other mechanisms beyond hyperplasia have been little explored and the contribution of other hepatocyte subpopulations to regeneration has been controversial. Thus, re-examining hepatocyte dynamics during regeneration is critical for cell therapy and treatment of liver diseases. Using a mouse model of hepatocyte- and non-hepatocyte- multicolor lineage tracing, we demonstrate that midlobular hepatocytes also undergo hypertrophy in response to chemical, physical, and viral insults. Our study shows that this subpopulation also combats liver impairment after infection with coronavirus. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pericentral hepatocytes also expand in number and size during the repair process and Galectin-9-CD44 pathway may be critical for driving these processes. Notably, we also identified that transdifferentiation and cell fusion during regeneration after severe injury contribute to recover hepatic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Ruz-Maldonado
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology) and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - John T Gonzalez
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hanming Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jonathan Sun
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Alicia Bort
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Inamul Kabir
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Richard G Kibbey
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology) and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yajaira Suárez
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel M Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Carlos Fernández-Hernando
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Center of Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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3
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Zhao J, Zhang X, Li Y, Yu J, Chen Z, Niu Y, Ran S, Wang S, Ye W, Luo Z, Li X, Hao Y, Zong J, Xia C, Xia J, Wu J. Interorgan communication with the liver: novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1314123. [PMID: 38155961 PMCID: PMC10754533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1314123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a multifunctional organ that plays crucial roles in numerous physiological processes, such as production of bile and proteins for blood plasma, regulation of blood levels of amino acids, processing of hemoglobin, clearance of metabolic waste, maintenance of glucose, etc. Therefore, the liver is essential for the homeostasis of organisms. With the development of research on the liver, there is growing concern about its effect on immune cells of innate and adaptive immunity. For example, the liver regulates the proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions of immune cells through various secreted proteins (also known as "hepatokines"). As a result, the liver is identified as an important regulator of the immune system. Furthermore, many diseases resulting from immune disorders are thought to be related to the dysfunction of the liver, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and heart failure. Thus, the liver plays a role in remote immune regulation and is intricately linked with systemic immunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the liver remote regulation of the body's innate and adaptive immunity regarding to main areas: immune-related molecules secreted by the liver and the liver-resident cells. Additionally, we assessed the influence of the liver on various facets of systemic immune-related diseases, offering insights into the clinical application of target therapies for liver immune regulation, as well as future developmental trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiulu Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jizhang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuan Ran
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weicong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilong Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanglin Hao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjie Zong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengkun Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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4
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Hirayama AB, Mello ESD, Alves VAF. INTRAHEPATIC BILIARY PROLIFERATIONS: HISTOPATHOLOGY AND POTENTIAL IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL MARKERS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:393-403. [PMID: 37792770 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.23032023-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
•Intrahepatic biliary proliferations represent a spectrum varying from reactive to malignant entities. •Clinical and imaging patterns may be similar, requiring histopathological and immunohistochemistry for precise diagnosis. Intrahepatic biliary proliferations represent a spectrum from reactive (ductular reaction, some with atypical architecture), hamartomatous (von Meyenburg complex), benign (bile duct adenoma) and precursor/borderline entities (biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct) to fully malignant (cholangiocarcinoma) neoplasms. Clinical pictures and even imaging patterns may be similar, requiring refined studies aiming at histopathological and immunohistochemistry for more precise diagnosis, essential for correct patient management. This article discusses updated concepts and definitions of most relevant entities aiming more specifically at the differential diagnosis in practice, focusing on morphology and immunohistochemistry, with a discussion of potential markers to help distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Bubna Hirayama
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- CICAP - Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Evandro Sobroza de Mello
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- CICAP - Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Venâncio Avancini Ferreira Alves
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- CICAP - Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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5
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Monga SP, Nejak-Bowen K. Ductular Reaction and Liver Regeneration: Fulfilling the Prophecy of Prometheus! Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:806-808. [PMID: 36436755 PMCID: PMC9950958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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6
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Sato K, Pham L, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G. Pathophysiological Roles of Ductular Reaction in Liver Inflammation and Hepatic Fibrogenesis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:803-805. [PMID: 36435428 PMCID: PMC9950939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Killeen, Texas
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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7
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Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional coactivator that activates transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcription factors upon inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway, to regulate biological processes like proliferation, survival, and differentiation. YAP1 is most prominently expressed in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in normal adult livers and during development. In the current review, we will discuss the multiple roles of YAP1 in the development and morphogenesis of bile ducts inside and outside the liver, as well as in orchestrating the cholangiocyte repair response to biliary injury. We will review how biliary repair can occur through the process of hepatocyte-to-BEC transdifferentiation and how YAP1 is pertinent to this process. We will also discuss the liver's capacity for metabolic reprogramming as an adaptive mechanism in extreme cholestasis, such as when intrahepatic bile ducts are absent due to YAP1 loss from hepatic progenitors. Finally, we will discuss the roles of YAP1 in the context of pediatric pathologies afflicting bile ducts, such as Alagille syndrome and biliary atresia. In conclusion, we will comprehensively discuss the spatiotemporal roles of YAP1 in biliary development and repair after biliary injury while describing key interactions with other well-known developmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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8
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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.
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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
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9
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Abstract
Following injury, the liver's epithelial cells regenerate efficiently with rapid proliferation of hepatocytes and biliary cells. However, when proliferation of resident epithelial cells is impaired, alternative regeneration mechanisms can occur. Intricate lineage-tracing strategies and experimental models of regenerative stress have revealed a degree of plasticity between hepatocytes and biliary cells. New technologies such as single-cell omics, in combination with functional studies, will be instrumental to uncover the remaining unknowns in the field. In this review, we evaluate the experimental and clinical evidence for epithelial plasticity in the liver and how this influences the development of therapeutic strategies for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Gadd
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Niya Aleksieva
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
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