1
|
Tang W, Sun G, Ji GW, Feng T, Zhang Q, Cao H, Wu W, Zhang X, Liu C, Liu H, Huang T, Liu L, Xia Y, Wang X. Single-cell RNA-sequencing atlas reveals an FABP1-dependent immunosuppressive environment in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007030. [PMID: 38007237 PMCID: PMC10679975 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007030] [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] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-cell RNA sequencing, also known as scRNA-seq, is a method profiling cell populations on an individual cell basis. It is particularly useful for more deeply understanding cell behavior in a complicated tumor microenvironment. Although several previous studies have examined scRNA-seq for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, no one has tested and analyzed HCC with different stages. METHODS In this investigation, immune cells isolated from surrounding normal tissues and cancer tissues from 3 II-stage and 4 III-stage HCC cases were subjected to deep scRNA-seq. The analysis included 15 samples. We distinguished developmentally relevant trajectories, unique immune cell subtypes, and enriched pathways regarding differential genes. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to demonstrate the interaction between fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG). In vivo experiments were performed in a C57BL/6 mouse model of HCC established via subcutaneous injection. RESULTS FABP1 was discovered to be overexpressed in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with III-stage HCC tissues compared with II-stage HCC tissues. This finding was fully supported by immunofluorescence detection in significant amounts of HCC human samples. FABP1 deficiency in TAMs inhibited HCC progression in vitro. Mechanistically, FABP1 interacted with PPARG/CD36 in TAMs to increase fatty acid oxidation in HCC. When compared with C57BL/6 mice of the wild type, tumors in FABP1-/- mice consistently showed attenuation. The FABP1-/- group's relative proportion of regulatory T cells and natural killer cells showed a downward trend, while dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and B cells showed an upward trend, according to the results of mass cytometry. In further clinical translation, we found that orlistat significantly inhibited FABP1 activity, while the combination of anti-programmed cell death 1(PD-1) could synergistically treat HCC progression. Liposomes loaded with orlistat and connected with IR780 probe could further enhance the therapeutic effect of orlistat and visualize drug metabolism in vivo. CONCLUSIONS ScRNA-seq atlas revealed an FABP1-dependent immunosuppressive environment in HCC. Orlistat significantly inhibited FABP1 activity, while the combination of anti-PD-1 could synergistically treat HCC progression. This study identified new treatment targets and strategies for HCC progression, contributing to patients with advanced HCC from new perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Gu-Wei Ji
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hengsong Cao
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhao Wu
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyuan Liu
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian Huang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongxiang Xia
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
You H, Wen X, Wang X, Zhu C, Chen H, Bu L, Zhang J, Qu S. Derlin-1 ameliorates nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis by promoting ubiquitylation and degradation of FABP1. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 207:260-271. [PMID: 37499886 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The functions of liver fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) in the regulation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been previously established. However, how FABP1 expression is dynamically regulated in metabolic disorders is unclear. Previous studies have reported that ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation of FABP1 is involved, but the mechanism remains unknown. METHODS Dysregulated expression of hepatic FABP1 and Derlin-1 was observed in NAFLD patients. We performed mice hepatic tissue coimmunoprecipitation based mass spectrum assays. Interaction between Derlin-1 and FABP1, and its impact on FABP1 ubiquitination status was evaluated by coimmunoprecipitation. The role of Derlin-1 in lipid deposition was tested using adenovirus-mediated overexpression in C57BL/6 mice, as well as by Derlin-1 overexpression or knockdown in HepG2 cells. RESULTS As a subunit of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation complex, Derlin-1 was negatively associated with NAFLD patients, interacted with and ubiquitinated FABP1. Derlin-1 suppressed FABP1 levels and inhibited lipid deposition through a FABP1-dependent pathway. Additionally, Trim25, an E3 ubiquitin ligase present in the endoplasmic reticulum, was recruited to promote Derlin-1-related polyubiquitylation of FABP1, thereby creating a ubiquitin-associated network for FABP1 regulation. Derlin-1 overexpression ameliorated hepatic steatosis in both C57BL/6 mice and HepG2 cells, and contributed to attenuated weight gain, lower liver weight, and visceral fat mass. CONCLUSIONS FABP1 was degraded by Derlin-1 through ubiquitin modification. Negative regulation of FABP1 by Derlin-1 overexpression, suppressed lipid metabolism and alleviated lipid deposition in vivo and in vitro. Hence, Derlin-1 activation in hepatocytes may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui You
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China; Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Xingchun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China; Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Cuiling Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Haibing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China
| | - Le Bu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China; Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang B, Lu J, Jiang Y, Feng Y. Asprosin contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through regulating lipid accumulation and inflammatory response via AMPK signaling. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e947. [PMID: 37647445 PMCID: PMC10436697 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.947] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a primary contributor to liver-related morbidity and mortality. Asprosin has been reported to be implicated in NAFLD. AIMS This work is to illuminate the effects of Asprosin on NAFLD and the possible downstream mechanism. MATERIALS & METHODS The weight of NAFLD mice induced by a high-fat diet was detected. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) examined serum Asprosin expression. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis examined Asprosin expression in mice liver tissues. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were implemented. Biochemical kits tested liver enzyme levels in mice serum and liver tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated liver histology. Liver weight was also tested and oil red O staining estimated lipid accumulation. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis analyzed the expression of gluconeogenesis-, fatty acid biosynthesis-, fatty acid oxidation-, and inflammation-associated factors. Besides, western blot analysis examined the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/p38 signaling-associated factors. In palmitic acid (PA)-treated mice hepatocytes, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis examined Asprosin expression. Lipid accumulation, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and inflammation were appraised again. RESULTS Asprosin was overexpressed in the serum and liver tissues of NAFLD mice and PA-treated mice hepatocytes. Asprosin interference reduced mice body and liver weight, improved glucose tolerance and diminished liver injury in vivo. Asprosin knockdown alleviated lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, Asprosin absence activated AMPK/p38 signaling and AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the impacts of Asprosin on lipid accumulation and inflammatory response. CONCLUSION Collectively, Asprosin inhibition suppressed lipid accumulation and inflammation to obstruct NAFLD through AMPK/p38 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Infectious DiseaseThe Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingbo CityZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Jinger Lu
- Department of EndocrineThe Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingbo CityZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yuhua Jiang
- Department of Infectious DiseaseThe Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingbo CityZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Digestive Blood EndocrinologyThe 75th Group Army Hospital of PLADali CityYunnan ProvinceChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang C, Mu T, Feng X, Zhang J, Gu Y. Study on fatty acid binding protein in lipid metabolism of livestock and poultry. Res Vet Sci 2023; 158:185-195. [PMID: 37030094 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are key proteins in lipid transport, and 12 family members have been documented in the literature. In recent years, new insights have been gained into the structure and function of FABPs, which are important regulators of lipid metabolic processes in the body and play a central role in coordinating lipid transport and metabolism in various tissues and organs across species. This paper provides a brief overview of the structure and biological functions of FABPs and reviews related studies on lipid metabolism in livestock and poultry to lay the foundation for research on the mechanism underlying the regulatory effect of FABPs on lipid metabolism in livestock and poultry and for the genetic improvement of livestock and poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchuan Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tong Mu
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaofang Feng
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yaling Gu
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 750021, Yinchuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sheng N, Wang YQ, Wang CF, Jia MQ, Niu HM, Lu QQ, Wang YN, Feng D, Zheng XX, Yuan HQ. AGR2-induced cholesterol synthesis drives lovastatin resistance that is overcome by combination therapy with allicin. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2905-2916. [PMID: 35459869 PMCID: PMC9622889 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00909-3] [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: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), is a multifunctional protein under physiological and pathological conditions. In this study we investigated the roles of AGR2 in regulating cholesterol biogenesis, lipid-lowering efficiency of lovastatin as well as in protection against hypercholesterolemia/statin-induced liver injury. We showed that AGR2 knockout significantly decreased hepatic and serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in mice with whole-body or hepatocyte-specific Agr2-null mutant, compared with the levels in their wild-type littermates fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD). In contrast, mice with AGR2 overexpression (Agr2/Tg) exhibited an increased cholesterol level. Mechanistic studies revealed that AGR2 affected cholesterol biogenesis via activation of AKT/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP2), to some extent, in a PDI motif-dependent manner. Moreover, elevated AGR2 led to a significant decrease in the lipid-lowering efficacy of lovastatin (10 mg· kg-1· d-1, ip, for 2 weeks) in mice with hypercholesterolemia (hyperCho), which was validated by results obtained from clinical samples in statin-treated patients. We showed that lovastatin had limited effect on AGR2 expression, but AGR2 was inducible in Agr2/Tg mice fed a HFD. Further investigations demonstrated that drug-induced liver toxicity and inflammatory reactions were alleviated in hypercholesterolemic Agr2/Tg mice, suggesting the dual functions of AGR2 in lipid management and hyperCho/statin-induced liver injury. Importantly, the AGR2-reduced lipid-lowering efficacy of lovastatin was attenuated, at least partially, by co-administration of a sulfhydryl-reactive compound allicin (20 mg· kg-1· d-1, ip, for 2 weeks). These results demonstrate a novel role of AGR2 in cholesterol metabolism, drug resistance and liver protection, suggesting AGR2 as a potential predictor for selection of lipid-lowering drugs in clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Yun-Qiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Cun-Fu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Meng-Qi Jia
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Huan-Min Niu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Qi-Qi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Ya-Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiao-Xue Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China
| | - Hui-Qing Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Sciences/Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250021, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji-nan, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Assessing Genetic Diversity and Searching for Selection Signatures by Comparison between the Indigenous Livni and Duroc Breeds in Local Livestock of the Central Region of Russia. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous pig breeds are mainly associated with the adaptive capacity that is necessary to respond adequately to climate change, food security, and livelihood needs, and natural resources conservation. Livni pigs are an indigenous fat-type breed farmed in a single farm in the Orel region and located in the Central European part of the Russian Federation. To determine the genomic regions and genes that are affected by artificial selection, we conducted the comparative study of two pig breeds with different breeding histories and breeding objectives, i.e., the native fat-type Livni and meat-type Duroc breeds using the Porcine GGP HD BeadChip, which contains ~80,000 SNPs. To check the Livni pigs for possible admixture, the Landrace and the Large White breeds were included into the study of genetic diversity as these breeds participated in the formation of the Livni pigs. We observed the highest level of genetic diversity in Livni pigs compared to commercial breeds (UHE = 0.409 vs. 0.319–0.359, p < 0.001; AR = 1.995 vs. 1.894–1.964, p < 0.001). A slight excess of heterozygotes was found in all of the breeds. We identified 291 candidate genes, which were localized within the regions under putative selection, including 22 and 228 genes, which were specific for Livni and Duroc breeds, respectively, and 41 genes common for both breeds. A detailed analysis of the molecular functions identified the genes, which were related to the formation of meat and fat traits, and adaptation to environmental stress, including extreme temperatures, which were different between breeds. Our research results are useful for conservation and sustainable breeding of Livni breed, which shows a high level of genetic diversity. This makes Livni one of the valuable national pig genetic resources.
Collapse
|