BKCa channels are involved in spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated uterine contraction in late gestation mice†

The large-conductance, voltage-gated, calcium (Ca2+)-activated potassium channel (BKCa) is one of the most abundant potassium channels in the myometrium. Previous work conducted by our group has identified a link between inflammation, BKCa channels and excitability of myometrial smooth muscle cells. Here, we investigate the role of BKCa channels in spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated uterine contraction to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the BKCa channel and uterine contraction in basal and inflammatory states. Uteri of C57BL/6 J mice on gestational day 18.5 (GD18.5) were obtained and either fixed in formalin or used immediately for tension recording or isolation of primary myocytes for patch-clamp. Paraffin sections were used for immunofluorescenctdetection of BKCa and Toll-like receptor (TLR4). For tension recordings, LPS was administered to determine its effect on uterine contractions. Paxilline, a BKCa inhibitor, was used to dissect the role of BKCa in uterine contraction in basal and inflammatory states. Finally, patch-clamp recordings were performed to investigate the relationship between LPS, the BKCa channel and membrane currents in mouse myometrial smooth muscle cells (mMSMCs). We confirmed the expression of BKCa and TLR4 in the myometrium of GD18.5 mice and found that inhibiting BKCa channels with paxilline suppressed both spontaneous and LPS-stimulated uterine contractions. Furthermore, application of BKCa inhibitors (paxilline or iberiotoxin) after LPS inhibited BKCa channel activity in mMSMCs. Moreover, pretreatment with BKCa inhibitor or the TLR4 inhibitor suppressed LPS-activated BKCa currents. Our study demonstrates that BKCa channels are involved in both basal and LPS-stimulated uterine contraction in pregnant mice.

Imaging Mass Spectrometry Reveals Alterations in N-Linked Glycosylation That Are Associated With Histopathological Changes in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mouse and Human

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is characterized by inflammation, hepatocyte injury, and fibrosis. Further, NASH is a risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous research demonstrated that serum N-glycan profiles can be altered in NASH patients. Here, we hypothesized that these N-glycan modifications may be associated with specific liver damage in NAFLD and NASH. To investigate the N-glycome profile in tissue, imaging mass spectrometry was used for a qualitative and quantitative in situ N-linked glycan analysis of mouse and human NAFLD/NASH tissue. A murine model was used to induce NAFLD and NASH through ad libitum feeding with either a high-fat diet or a Western diet, respectively. Mice fed a high-fat diet or Western diet developed inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis, consistent with NAFLD/NASH phenotypes. Induction of NAFLD/NASH for 18 months using high caloric diets resulted in increased expression of mannose, complex/fucosylated, and hybrid N-glycan structures compared to control mouse livers. To validate the animal results, liver biopsy specimens from 51 human NAFLD/NASH patients representing the full range of NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis stages were analyzed. Importantly, the same glycan alterations observed in mouse models were observed in human NASH biopsies and correlated with the degree of fibrosis. In addition, spatial glycan alterations were localized specifically to histopathological changes in tissue like fibrotic and fatty areas. We demonstrate that the use of standard staining's combined with imaging mass spectrometry provide a full profile of the origin of N-glycan modifications within the tissue. These results indicate that the spatial distribution of abundances of released N-glycans correlate with regions of tissue steatosis associated with NAFLD/NASH.

Blocking the BKCa channel induces NF-κB nuclear translocation by increasing nuclear calcium concentration

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptionally regulates several genes involved in initiating uterine contractions. A key factor controlling NF-κB activity is its translocation to the nucleus. In myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs), this translocation can be stimulated by the inflammatory molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or by blocking the potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M alpha 1 (KCNMA1 or BKCa) with paxilline (PAX). Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which blocking BKCa causes NF-κB-p65 translocation to the nucleus in MSMCs. We show that LPS- and PAX-induced NF-κB-p65 translocation are similar in that neither depend on several mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, but both require increased intracellular calcium (Ca2+). However, the nuclear transport inhibitor wheat germ agglutinin prevented NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in response to LPS but not in response to PAX. Blocking BKCa located on the plasma membrane resulted in a transient NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation that was not sufficient to induce expression of its transcriptional target, suggesting a role for intracellular BKCa. We report that BKCa also localizes to the nucleus and that blocking nuclear BKCa results in an increase in nuclear Ca2+ in MSMCs. Together, these data suggest that BKCa localized on the nuclear membrane plays a key role in regulating nuclear Ca2+ and NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in MSMCs.

Abstract 84: E2F8 tumor suppressive role in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the aggressive form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the accumulation of extra fat in liver cells, most commonly known as fatty liver. Some of the main conditions that distinguish NAFLD from NASH are severe liver inflammation, increased lipid accumulation and fibrosis. NASH is caused by an excess of fat in the liver which is linked to obesity and diet. Diets high in fats and sugars, typical of a Western diet, have been shown to induce NASH. Approximately 25% of NASH cases progress to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there is no approved therapy for NASH and complications due to NASH is estimated to be the main reason for liver transplant. E2F8, a member of a family of transcription factors that are well known for regulating the cell cycle, has been shown to promote hepatic steatosis in a zebrafish model. Previous research from our lab has demonstrated that E2F8 has a tumor-suppressive role and loss of E2F8 leads to HCC in a carcinogen-induced model. Here, we use a mouse model to conditionally delete E2f8 in hepatocytes to sensitize to liver cancer and evaluate the effects of E2F8 on NASH development. Mice were fed with a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD) or Western diet (WD). Our results show that control mice in a LFD maintained a normal liver and E2F8 had a tumor-suppressive role for all diets including LF. However, a HFD induced NAFLD while a CDHFD and WD caused NASH by inflammation and fibrosis, respectively. We demonstrate that E2f8 ablation influences collagen deposition, lipid accumulation, and E-cadherin expression. Additionally, experimental mice fed a HFD had an incidence of less than 40% of spontaneous HCC, while experimental mice fed a WD had an incidence of more than 50% of spontaneous HCC; demonstrating that E2F8 tumor-suppressive role is essential to prevent progression to HCC in a NASH model. We hypothesize, that E2F8 has a role in the regulation of liver metabolism. Collectively, our study demonstrates that a WD and E2F8 hepatocyte deletion leads to an increase in lipid and collagen accumulation and HCC occurrence.

Citation Format: Shaaron L. Ochoa-Rios, Lindsey N. Kent, Gustavo Leone. E2F8 tumor suppressive role in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 84.

The broken cycle: E2F dysfunction in cancer

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-RB-E2F axis forms the core transcriptional machinery driving cell cycle progression, dictating the timing and fidelity of genome replication and ensuring genetic material is accurately passed through each cell division cycle. The ultimate effectors of this axis are members of a family of eight distinct E2F genes encoding transcriptional activators and repressors. E2F transcriptional activity is tightly regulated throughout the cell cycle via transcriptional and translational regulation, post-translational modifications, protein degradation, binding to cofactors and subcellular localization. Alterations in one or more key components of this axis (CDKs, cyclins, CDK inhibitors and the RB family of proteins) occur in virtually all cancers and result in heightened oncogenic E2F activity, leading to uncontrolled proliferation. In this Review, we discuss the activities of E2F proteins with an emphasis on the newest atypical E2F family members, the specific and redundant functions of E2F proteins, how misexpression of E2F transcriptional targets promotes cancer and both current and developing therapeutic strategies being used to target this oncogenic pathway.

Endoreduplication of the mouse genome in the absence of ORC1

In this study, Okano-Uchida et al. describe the physiological role of ORC1 in mice by generating knock-in mice with LoxP sites flanking exons encoding the critical ATPase domain of ORC1. They show that ORC1 ablation in extraembryonic trophoblasts and hepatocytes failed to impede genome endoreduplication and organ development and function and conclude that ORC1 in mice is essential for mitotic cell divisions but dispensable for endoreduplication.

The largest subunit of the origin recognition complex (ORC1) is essential for assembly of the prereplicative complex, firing of DNA replication origins, and faithful duplication of the genome. Here, we generated knock-in mice with LoxP sites flanking exons encoding the critical ATPase domain of ORC1. Global or tissue-specific ablation of ORC1 function in mouse embryo fibroblasts and fetal and adult diploid tissues blocked DNA replication, cell lineage expansion, and organ development. Remarkably, ORC1 ablation in extraembryonic trophoblasts and hepatocytes, two polyploid cell types in mice, failed to impede genome endoreduplication and organ development and function. Thus, ORC1 in mice is essential for mitotic cell divisions but dispensable for endoreduplication. We propose that DNA replication of mammalian polyploid genomes uses a distinct ORC1-independent mechanism.

Dietary fat/cholesterol-sensitive PKCβ-RB signaling: Potential role in NASH/HCC axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent form of cancer with a poor prognosis, and environmental factors significantly contribute to the risk. Despite knowledge that a Western-style diet is a risk factor in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and subsequent progression to HCC, diet-induced signaling changes are not well understood. Understanding molecular mechanisms altered by diet is crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. We have previously shown that diets enriched with high-fat and high-cholesterol, shown to produce NASH and HCC, induce hepatic protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) expression in mice, and a systemic loss of PKCβ promotes hepatic cholesterol accumulation in response to this diet. Here, we sought to determine how PKCβ and diet functionally interact during the pathogenesis of NASH and how it may promote hepatic carcinogenesis. We found that diet-induced hepatic PKCβ expression is accompanied by an increase in phosphorylation of Ser780 of retinoblastoma (RB) protein. Intriguingly, PKCβ^-/- livers exhibited reduced RB protein levels despite increased transcription of the RB gene. It is also accompanied by reduced RBL-1 with no significant effect on RBL-2 protein levels. We also found reduced expression of the PKCβ in HCC compared to non-tumorous liver in human patients. These results raise an interesting possibility that diet-induced PKCβ activation represents an important mediator in the functional wiring of cholesterol metabolism and tumorigenesis through modulating stability of cell cycle-associated proteins. The potential role of PKCβ in the suppression of tumorigenesis is discussed.

Dosage-dependent copy number gains in E2f1 and E2f3 drive hepatocellular carcinoma

Disruption of the retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor pathway, either through genetic mutation of upstream regulatory components or mutation of RB1 itself, is believed to be a required event in cancer. However, genetic alterations in the RB-regulated E2F family of transcription factors are infrequent, casting doubt on a direct role for E2Fs in driving cancer. In this work, a mutation analysis of human cancer revealed subtle but impactful copy number gains in E2F1 and E2F3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using a series of loss- and gain-of-function alleles to dial E2F transcriptional output, we have shown that copy number gains in E2f1 or E2f3b resulted in dosage-dependent spontaneous HCC in mice without the involvement of additional organs. Conversely, germ-line loss of E2f1 or E2f3b, but not E2f3a, protected mice against HCC. Combinatorial mapping of chromatin occupancy and transcriptome profiling identified an E2F1- and E2F3B-driven transcriptional program that was associated with development and progression of HCC. These findings demonstrate a direct and cell-autonomous role for E2F activators in human cancer.

E2f8 mediates tumor suppression in postnatal liver development

E2F-mediated transcriptional repression of cell cycle-dependent gene expression is critical for the control of cellular proliferation, survival, and development. E2F signaling also interacts with transcriptional programs that are downstream of genetic predictors for cancer development, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we evaluated the function of the atypical repressor genes E2f7 and E2f8 in adult liver physiology. Using several loss-of-function alleles in mice, we determined that combined deletion of E2f7 and E2f8 in hepatocytes leads to HCC. Temporal-specific ablation strategies revealed that E2f8's tumor suppressor role is critical during the first 2 weeks of life, which correspond to a highly proliferative stage of postnatal liver development. Disruption of E2F8's DNA binding activity phenocopied the effects of an E2f8 null allele and led to HCC. Finally, a profile of chromatin occupancy and gene expression in young and tumor-bearing mice identified a set of shared targets for E2F7 and E2F8 whose increased expression during early postnatal liver development is associated with HCC progression in mice. Increased expression of E2F8-specific target genes was also observed in human liver biopsies from HCC patients compared to healthy patients. In summary, these studies suggest that E2F8-mediated transcriptional repression is a critical tumor suppressor mechanism during postnatal liver development.

The Spectrum of E2F in Liver Disease--Mediated Regulation in Biology and Cancer

Uncoordinated cell growth is one of the fundamental concepts in carcinogenesis and occurs secondary to dysregulation of the cell cycle. The E2Fs are a large family of transcription factors and are key regulators of the cell cycle. The activation of E2Fs is intimately regulated by retinoblastoma 1 (RB1). The RB pathway has been implicated in almost every human malignancy. Recently there have been exciting developments in the E2F field using animal models to better understand the role of E2Fs in vivo. Genetic mouse models have proven essential in implicating E2Fs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver disease. In this review, the general structure and function of E2Fs as well as the role for E2Fs in the development of HCC and liver disease is evaluated. Specifically, what is known about E2Fs in human disease is explored in depth, and future directions are discussed.

Akt1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) regulate placentation and fetal/postnatal development

Phenotypic characterization of Akt1 and Igf2 null mice has revealed roles for each in the regulation of placentation, and fetal and postnatal growth. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is encoded by the Igf2 gene and influences cellular function, at least in part, through activation of an intracellular serine/threonine kinase called AKT1. Akt1 and Igf2 null mice were originally characterized on inbred and mixed genetic backgrounds, prohibiting direct comparisons of their phenotypes. The impact of loss of AKT1 or IGF2 on placental, fetal, and postnatal function were examined following transfer of Akt1 and Igf2 null mutations to an outbred CD1 genetic background. Disruption of IGF2 did not affect AKT expression or activation. Both Akt1-/- and Igf2-/- mice exhibited decreased placental weight, fetal weight and viability. Deregulation of placental growth was similar in Akt1 and Igf2 nulls; however, disruption of Igf2 had a more severe impact on prenatal survival and postnatal growth. Placental structure, including organization of junctional and labyrinth zones and development of the interstitial, invasive, trophoblast lineage, were similar in mutant and wild-type mice. Akt1 and Igf2 null mutations affected postnatal growth. The relative impact of each gene differed during pre-weaning versus post-weaning growth phases. AKT1 had a more significant role during pre-weaning growth, whereas IGF2 was a bigger contributor to post-weaning growth. Akt1 and Igf2 null mutations impact placental, fetal and postnatal growth. Placental phenotypes are similar; however, fetal and postnatal growth patterns are unique to each mutation.

FGF4-dependent stem cells derived from rat blastocysts differentiate along the trophoblast lineage

Differentiated trophoblast cell lineages arise from trophoblast stem (TS) cells. To date such a stem cell population has only been established in the mouse. The objective of this investigation was to establish TS cell populations from rat blastocysts. Blastocysts were cultured individually on a feeder layer of rat embryonic fibroblasts (REFs) in fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) and heparin supplemented culture medium. Once cell colonies were established REF feeder layers could be replaced with REF conditioned medium. The blastocyst-derived cell lines, in either proliferative or differentiated states, did not express genes indicative of ICM-derived tissues. In the proliferative state the cells expressed established stem cell-associated markers of TS cells. Cells ceased proliferation and differentiated when FGF4, heparin, and REF conditioned medium were removed. Differentiation was characterized by a decline of stem cell-associated marker gene expression, the appearance of large polyploid cells (trophoblast giant cells), and the expression of trophoblast differentiation-associated genes. Collectively, the data indicate that the rat blastocyst-derived cell lines not only possess many features characteristic of mouse TS cells but also possess some distinct properties. These rat TS cell lines represent valuable new in vitro models for analyses of mechanisms controlling TS cell renewal and differentiation.

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase modulation of trophoblast cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

The trophoblast lineage arises as the first differentiation event during embryogenesis. Trophoblast giant cells are one of several end-stage products of trophoblast cell differentiation in rodents. These cells are located at the maternal-fetal interface and are capable of invasive and endocrine functions, which are necessary for successful pregnancy. Rcho-1 trophoblast stem cells can be effectively used as a model for investigating trophoblast cell differentiation. In this report, we evaluated the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in the regulation of trophoblast cell differentiation. Transcript profiles from trophoblast stem cells, differentiated trophoblast cells, and differentiated trophoblast cells following disruption of PI3K signaling were generated and characterized.

RESULTS

Prominent changes in gene expression accompanied the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells. PI3K modulated the expression of a subset of trophoblast cell differentiation-dependent genes. Among the PI3K-responsive genes were those encoding proteins contributing to the invasive and endocrine phenotypes of trophoblast giant cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Genes have been identified with differential expression patterns associated with trophoblast stem cells and trophoblast cell differentiation; a subset of these genes are regulated by PI3K signaling, including those impacting the differentiated trophoblast giant cell phenotype.

Context-dependent function of regulatory elements and a switch in chromatin occupancy between GATA3 and GATA2 regulate Gata2 transcription during trophoblast differentiation

GATA transcription factors are important regulators of tissue-specific gene expression during development. GATA2 and GATA3 have been implicated in the regulation of trophoblast-specific genes. However, the regulatory mechanisms of GATA2 expression in trophoblast cells are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that Gata2 is transcriptionally induced during trophoblast giant cell-specific differentiation. Transcriptional induction is associated with displacement of GATA3-dependent nucleoprotein complexes by GATA2-dependent nucleoprotein complexes at two regulatory regions, the -3.9- and +9.5-kb regions, of the mouse Gata2 locus. Analyses with reporter genes showed that, in trophoblast cells, -3.9- and +9.5-kb regions function as transcriptional enhancers in GATA motif independent and dependent fashions, respectively. We also found that knockdown of GATA3 by RNA interference induces GATA2 in undifferentiated trophoblast cells. Interestingly, three other known GATA motif-dependent Gata2 regulatory elements, the -1.8-, -2.8-, and -77-kb regions, which are important to regulate Gata2 in hematopoietic cells are not occupied by GATA factors in trophoblast cells. These elements do not show any enhancer activity and also possess inaccessible chromatin structure in trophoblast cells indicating a context-dependent function. Our results indicate that GATA3 directly represses Gata2 in undifferentiated trophoblast cells, and a switch in chromatin occupancy between GATA3 and GATA2 (GATA3/GATA2 switch) induces transcription during trophoblast differentiation. We predict that this GATA3/GATA2 switch is an important mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of other trophoblast-specific genes.