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Ramandi A, Diehl AM, Sanyal AJ, de Jong YP. Experimental Models to Investigate PNPLA3 in Liver Steatosis. Liver Int 2025; 45:e70091. [PMID: 40231787 DOI: 10.1111/liv.70091] [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: 02/14/2025] [Revised: 03/26/2025] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025]
Abstract
Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) was the first gene identified through genome-wide association studies to be linked to hepatic fat accumulation. A missense variant, encoding the PNPLA3-148M allele, has since been shown to increase the risk for the full spectrum of steatotic liver disease (SLD), from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite extensive validation of this association and ongoing research into its pathogenic role, the precise mechanisms by which PNPLA3-148M contributes to the progression of SLD remain poorly understood. In this review, we evaluate preclinical in vitro and in vivo models used to investigate PNPLA3 and its involvement in SLD, with particular emphasis on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. We assess the strengths and limitations of these models, as well as the challenges arising from species differences in PNPLA3 expression and function between human and murine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Ramandi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna-Mae Diehl
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Ortuño-Costela MC, Pinzani M, Vallier L. Cell therapy for liver disorders: past, present and future. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2025; 22:329-342. [PMID: 40102584 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-025-01050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
The liver fulfils a plethora of vital functions and, due to their importance, liver dysfunction has life-threatening consequences. Liver disorders currently account for more than two million deaths annually worldwide and can be classified broadly into three groups, considering their onset and aetiology, as acute liver diseases, inherited metabolic disorders and chronic liver diseases. In the most advanced and severe forms leading to liver failure, liver transplantation is the only treatment available, which has many associated drawbacks, including a shortage of organ donors. Cell therapy via fully mature cell transplantation is an advantageous alternative that may be able to restore a damaged organ's functionality or serve as a bridge until regeneration can occur. Pioneering work has shown that transplanting adult hepatocytes can support liver recovery. However, primary hepatocytes cannot be grown extensively in vitro as they rapidly lose their metabolic activity. Therefore, different cell sources are currently being tested as alternatives to primary cells. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, chemically induced liver progenitors, or 'liver' organoids, hold great promise for developing new cell therapies for acute and chronic liver diseases. This Review focuses on the advantages and drawbacks of distinct cell sources and the relative strategies to address different therapeutic needs in distinct liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Ortuño-Costela
- Berlin Institute of Health, BIH Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- University College London Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Highly Specialized Therapies (UPMC-ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Berlin Institute of Health, BIH Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Iakovleva V, de Jong YP. Gene-based therapies for steatotic liver disease. Mol Ther 2025:S1525-0016(25)00298-9. [PMID: 40254880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2025] [Revised: 03/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Advances in nucleic acid delivery have positioned the liver as a key target for gene therapy, with adeno-associated virus vectors showing long-term effectiveness in treating hemophilia. Steatotic liver disease (SLD), the most common liver condition globally, primarily results from metabolic dysfunction-associated and alcohol-associated liver diseases. In some individuals, SLD progresses from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, driven by a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Genetic variations in various lipid metabolism-related genes, such as patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 13 (HSD17B13), and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component 1 (MTARC1), impact the progression of SLD and offer promising therapeutic targets. This review largely focuses on genes identified through clinical association studies, as they are more likely to be effective and safe for therapeutic intervention. While preclinical research continues to deepen our understanding of genetic factors, early-stage clinical trials involving gene-based SLD therapies, including transient antisense and small-molecule approaches, are helping prioritize therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, hepatocyte gene editing technologies are advancing rapidly, offering alternatives to transient methods. As such, gene-based therapies show significant potential for preventing the progression of SLD and enhancing long-term liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Iakovleva
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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4
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Wang JJ, Chen XY, Zhang YR, Shen Y, Zhu ML, Zhang J, Zhang JJ. Role of genetic variants and DNA methylation of lipid metabolism-related genes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Front Physiol 2025; 16:1562848. [PMID: 40166716 PMCID: PMC11955510 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1562848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is one of the most common chronic liver diseases, which encompasses a spectrum of diseases, from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and may ultimately progress to MASH-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MASLD is a complex disease that is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in the development and progression of MASLD. Therefore, the focus of this review is to discuss the links between the genetic variants and DNA methylation of lipid metabolism-related genes and MASLD pathogenesis. We first summarize the interplay between MASLD and the disturbance of hepatic lipid metabolism. Next, we focus on reviewing the role of hepatic lipid related gene loci in the onset and progression of MASLD. We summarize the existing literature around the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with MASLD identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene analyses. Moreover, based on recent evidence from human and animal studies, we further discussed the regulatory function and associated mechanisms of changes in DNA methylation levels in the occurrence and progression of MASLD, with a particular emphasis on its regulatory role of lipid metabolism-related genes in MASLD and MASH. Furthermore, we review the alterations of hepatic DNA and blood DNA methylation levels associated with lipid metabolism-related genes in MASLD and MASH patients. Finally, we introduce potential value of the genetic variants and DNA methylation profiles of lipid metabolism-related genes in developing novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MASLD, intending to provide references for the future studies of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Chen
- Department of Publication Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yi-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Publication Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Meng-Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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5
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Zhang X, Lau HCH, Yu J. Pharmacological treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and related disorders: Current and emerging therapeutic options. Pharmacol Rev 2025; 77:100018. [PMID: 40148030 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmr.2024.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is a chronic liver disease affecting over a billion individuals worldwide. MASLD can gradually develop into more severe liver pathologies, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and liver malignancy. Notably, although being a global health problem, there are very limited therapeutic options against MASLD and its related diseases. While a thyroid hormone receptor agonist (resmetirom) is recently approved for MASH treatment, other efforts to control these diseases remain unsatisfactory. Given the projected rise in MASLD and MASH incidence, it is urgent to develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies against these prevalent liver diseases. In this article, the pathogenic mechanisms of MASLD and MASH, including insulin resistance, dysregulated nuclear receptor signaling, and genetic risk factors (eg, patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 and hydroxysteroid 17-β dehydrogenase-13), are introduced. Various therapeutic interventions against MASH are then explored, including approved medication (resmetirom), drugs that are currently in clinical trials (eg, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, fibroblast growth factor 21 analog, and PPAR agonist), and those failed in previous trials (eg, obeticholic acid and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 antagonist). Moreover, given that the role of gut microbes in MASLD is increasingly acknowledged, alterations in the gut microbiota and microbial mechanisms in MASLD development are elucidated. Therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiota (eg, dietary intervention and probiotics) against MASLD and related diseases are further explored. With better understanding of the multifaceted pathogenic mechanisms, the development of innovative therapeutics that target the root causes of MASLD and MASH is greatly facilitated. The possibility of alleviating MASH and achieving better patient outcomes is within reach. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and it can progress to more severe pathologies, including steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases has facilitated the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Moreover, increasing evidence has illustrated the crucial role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of MASLD and related diseases. It may be clinically feasible to target gut microbes to alleviate MASLD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Harry Cheuk-Hay Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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6
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Zhang X, Chang KM, Yu J, Loomba R. Unraveling Mechanisms of Genetic Risks in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Diseases: A Pathway to Precision Medicine. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2025; 20:375-403. [PMID: 39854186 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-111523-023430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2025]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health problem, affecting ∼1 billion people. This condition is well established to have a heritable component with strong familial clustering. With the extraordinary breakthroughs in genetic research techniques coupled with their application to large-scale biobanks, the field of genetics in MASLD has expanded rapidly. In this review, we summarize evidence regarding genetic predisposition to MASLD drawn from family and twin studies. Significantly, we delve into detailed genetic variations associated with diverse pathogenic mechanisms driving MASLD. We highlight the interplay between these genetic variants and their connections with metabolic factors, the gut microbiome, and metabolites, which collectively influence MASLD progression. These discoveries are paving the way for precise medicine, including noninvasive diagnostics and therapies. The promising landscape of novel genetically informed drug targets such as RNA interference is explored. Many of these therapies are currently under clinical validation, raising hopes for more effective MASLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- MASLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rohit Loomba
- MASLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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7
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Weiskirchen R, Lonardo A. PNPLA3 as a driver of steatotic liver disease: navigating from pathobiology to the clinics via epidemiology. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2024; 8:355-77. [DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2024.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD), particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD, represents a significant public health concern worldwide. Among the various factors implicated in the development and progression of this condition, the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3 ) gene has emerged as a critical player. Variants of PNPLA3 are associated with altered lipid metabolism, leading to increased hepatic fat accumulation and subsequent inflammation and fibrosis. Understanding the role of PNPLA3 not only enhances our comprehension of the pathomechanisms driving SLD but also informs potential therapeutic strategies. The molecular mechanisms through which PNPLA3 variants contribute to lipid dysregulation and hepatocyte injury in SLD are critically discussed in the present review article. We extensively analyze clinical cohorts and population-based studies underpinning the association between PNPLA3 polymorphisms and the risk of developing SLD, and its liver-related and protean extrahepatic outcomes, in concert with other risk modifiers, notably including age, sex, and ethnicity in adults and children. We also discuss the increasingly recognized role played by the PNPLA3 gene in liver transplantation, autoimmune hepatitis, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Finally, we examine the clinical implications of PNPLA3 diagnostics regarding risk stratification and targeted therapies for patients affected by SLD in the context of precision medicine approaches.
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8
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Jones CE, Dangas G, Norris AC, Koenig M, Li DY, Shue TM, Athanasiadis A, Barbosa L, Zhou Y, Levenson KC, Zou C, de Jong YP, Michailidis E. Long-term 3D cell culture models for hepatitis B virus studies. Virology 2024; 600:110265. [PMID: 39427481 PMCID: PMC12017837 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 10/10/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
Primary human hepatocyte (PHH) models have limited longevity and require high inoculum for HBV infection with minimal spread. We aimed to develop 3D cell culture models to overcome the limitations of existing models and to expand their utility for drug-related studies. Here, we report the establishment of two spheroid models utilizing de novo HBV-infected mouse-passaged (mp)PHH and mpPHH isolated from HBV-infected liver chimeric mice (HBV-mpPHH). Our data demonstrates that our models maintain detectable infection and human albumin levels up to 75 days, and therefore have enhanced longevity compared to existing models. As a proof-of-concept we used our de novo HBV-infected model as a drug-testing platform to validate an HBV capsid assembly modulator (CpAM). We report that we have established two HBV-infected 3D cell culture models and have characterized these models as practical and novel approaches with the potential to enhance the relevance and scope of in vitro HBV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Jones
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Georgios Dangas
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Adriana C Norris
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Madeleine Koenig
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dar-Yin Li
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Taylor M Shue
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Antonis Athanasiadis
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Luana Barbosa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yichen Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kenneth C Levenson
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chenhui Zou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Eleftherios Michailidis
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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9
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Sookoian S, Rotman Y, Valenti L. Genetics of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: The State of the Art Update. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:2177-2187.e3. [PMID: 39094912 PMCID: PMC11512675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.05.052] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in the genetics of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are gradually revealing the mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of the disease and have shown promising results in patient stratification. Genetic characterization of the disease has been rapidly developed using genome-wide association studies, exome-wide association studies, phenome-wide association studies, and whole exome sequencing. These advances have been powered by the increase in computational power, the development of new analytical algorithms, including some based on artificial intelligence, and the recruitment of large and well-phenotyped cohorts. This review presents an update on genetic studies that emphasize new biological insights from next-generation sequencing approaches. Additionally, we discuss innovative methods for discovering new genetic loci for MASLD, including rare variants. To comprehensively manage MASLD, it is important to stratify risks. Therefore, we present an update on phenome-wide association study associations, including extreme phenotypes. Additionally, we discuss whether polygenic risk scores and targeted sequencing are ready for clinical use. With particular focus on precision medicine, we introduce concepts such as the interplay between genetics and the environment in modulating genetic risk with lifestyle or standard therapies. A special chapter is dedicated to gene-based therapeutics. The limitations of approved pharmacological approaches are discussed, and the potential of gene-related mechanisms in therapeutic development is reviewed, including the decision to perform genetic testing in patients with MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sookoian
- Clinical and Molecular Hepatology. Translational Health Research Center (CENITRES). Maimónides University. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Faculty of Health Science. Maimónides University. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yaron Rotman
- Liver & Energy Metabolism Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine - Biological Resource Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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10
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de Jong YP. Mice Engrafted with Human Liver Cells. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:405-415. [PMID: 39265638 PMCID: PMC11620938 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1790601] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Rodents are commonly employed to model human liver conditions, although species differences can restrict their translational relevance. To overcome some of these limitations, researchers have long pursued human hepatocyte transplantation into rodents. More than 20 years ago, the first primary human hepatocyte transplantations into immunodeficient mice with liver injury were able to support hepatitis B and C virus infections, as these viruses cannot replicate in murine hepatocytes. Since then, hepatocyte chimeric mouse models have transitioned into mainstream preclinical research and are now employed in a diverse array of liver conditions beyond viral hepatitis, including malaria, drug metabolism, liver-targeting gene therapy, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, lipoprotein and bile acid biology, and others. Concurrently, endeavors to cotransplant other cell types and humanize immune and other nonparenchymal compartments have seen growing success. Looking ahead, several challenges remain. These include enhancing immune functionality in mice doubly humanized with hepatocytes and immune systems, efficiently creating mice with genetically altered grafts and reliably humanizing chimeric mice with renewable cell sources such as patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. In conclusion, hepatocyte chimeric mice have evolved into vital preclinical models that address many limitations of traditional rodent models. Continued improvements may further expand their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ype P de Jong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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11
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Vonada A, Grompe M. In vivo selection of hepatocytes. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-01066. [PMID: 39787488 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
The liver is a highly regenerative organ capable of significant proliferation and remodeling during homeostasis and injury responses. Experiments of nature in rare genetic diseases have illustrated that healthy hepatocytes may have a selective advantage, outcompete diseased cells, and result in extensive liver replacement. This observation has given rise to the concept of therapeutic liver repopulation by providing an engineered selective advantage to a subpopulation of beneficial hepatocytes. In vivo selection can greatly enhance the efficiency of both gene and cell transplantation therapies for hepatic diseases. In vivo hepatocyte selection has also enabled the expansion of human hepatocytes in animals, creating novel models of human liver disease and biology. Finally, recent work has shown that somatic mutations produce clonal expansion of injury-resistant hepatocytes in most chronic liver diseases. In this review, we will address the role of hepatocyte selection in disease pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vonada
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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12
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Xia M, Varmazyad M, Pla-Palacín I, Gavlock DC, DeBiasio R, LaRocca G, Reese C, Florentino RM, Faccioli LAP, Brown JA, Vernetti LA, Schurdak M, Stern AM, Gough A, Behari J, Soto-Gutierrez A, Taylor DL, Miedel MT. Comparison of wild-type and high-risk PNPLA3 variants in a human biomimetic liver microphysiology system for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease precision therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1423936. [PMID: 39324073 PMCID: PMC11422722 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1423936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a worldwide health epidemic with a global occurrence of approximately 30%. The pathogenesis of MASLD is a complex, multisystem disorder driven by multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. Patient heterogeneity presents challenges in developing MASLD therapeutics, creating patient cohorts for clinical trials, and optimizing therapeutic strategies for specific patient cohorts. Implementing pre-clinical experimental models for drug development creates a significant challenge as simple in vitro systems and animal models do not fully recapitulate critical steps in the pathogenesis and the complexity of MASLD progression. To address this, we implemented a precision medicine strategy that couples the use of our liver acinus microphysiology system (LAMPS) constructed with patient-derived primary cells. We investigated the MASLD-associated genetic variant patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 (I148M variant) in primary hepatocytes as it is associated with MASLD progression. We constructed the LAMPS with genotyped wild-type and variant PNPLA3 hepatocytes, together with key non-parenchymal cells, and quantified the reproducibility of the model. We altered media components to mimic blood chemistries, including insulin, glucose, free fatty acids, and immune-activating molecules to reflect normal fasting (NF), early metabolic syndrome (EMS), and late metabolic syndrome (LMS) conditions. Finally, we investigated the response to treatment with resmetirom, an approved drug for metabolic syndrome-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. This study, using primary cells, serves as a benchmark for studies using "patient biomimetic twins" constructed with patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived liver cells using a panel of reproducible metrics. We observed increased steatosis, immune activation, stellate cell activation, and secretion of pro-fibrotic markers in the PNPLA3 GG variant compared to the wild-type CC LAMPS, consistent with the clinical characterization of this variant. We also observed greater resmetirom efficacy in the PNPLA3 wild-type CC LAMPS compared to the GG variant in multiple MASLD metrics, including steatosis, stellate cell activation, and the secretion of pro-fibrotic markers. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the capability of the LAMPS platform for the development of MASLD precision therapeutics, enrichment of patient cohorts for clinical trials, and optimization of therapeutic strategies for patient subgroups with different clinical traits and disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Xia
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mahboubeh Varmazyad
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Iris Pla-Palacín
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dillon C. Gavlock
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richard DeBiasio
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregory LaRocca
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Celeste Reese
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rodrigo M. Florentino
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Transcriptional Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lanuza A. P. Faccioli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Transcriptional Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jacquelyn A. Brown
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Computational and System Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lawrence A. Vernetti
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Computational and System Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark Schurdak
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Computational and System Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Stern
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Computational and System Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Albert Gough
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jaideep Behari
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Transcriptional Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - D. Lansing Taylor
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Computational and System Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark T. Miedel
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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13
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Doueiry C, Kappler CS, Martinez-Morant C, Duncan SA. A PNPLA3-Deficient iPSC-Derived Hepatocyte Screen Identifies Pathways to Potentially Reduce Steatosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7277. [PMID: 39000384 PMCID: PMC11242544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is increasing in adults and children. Unfortunately, effective pharmacological treatments remain unavailable. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein (PNPLA3 I148M) have the most significant genetic association with the disease at all stages of its progression. A roadblock to identifying potential treatments for PNPLA3-induced NAFLD is the lack of a human cell platform that recapitulates the PNPLA3 I148M-mediated onset of lipid accumulation. Hepatocyte-like cells were generated from PNPLA3-/- and PNPLA3I148M/M-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Lipid levels were measured by staining with BODIPY 493/503 and were found to increase in PNPLA3 variant iPSC-derived hepatocytes. A small-molecule screen identified multiple compounds that target Src/PI3K/Akt signaling and could eradicate lipid accumulation in these cells. We found that drugs currently in clinical trials for cancer treatment that target the same pathways also reduced lipid accumulation in PNPLA3 variant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren Doueiry
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (C.D.); (C.M.-M.)
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Christiana S. Kappler
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (C.D.); (C.M.-M.)
| | - Carla Martinez-Morant
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (C.D.); (C.M.-M.)
| | - Stephen A. Duncan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (C.D.); (C.M.-M.)
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14
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Xia M, Varmazyad M, Palacin IP, Gavlock DC, Debiasio R, LaRocca G, Reese C, Florentino R, Faccioli LAP, Brown JA, Vernetti LA, Schurdak ME, Stern AM, Gough A, Behari J, Soto-Gutierrez A, Taylor DL, Miedel M. Comparison of Wild-Type and High-risk PNPLA3 variants in a Human Biomimetic Liver Microphysiology System for Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease Precision Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590608. [PMID: 38712213 PMCID: PMC11071381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a worldwide health epidemic with a global occurrence of approximately 30%. The pathogenesis of MASLD is a complex, multisystem disorder driven by multiple factors including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. Patient heterogeneity presents challenges for developing MASLD therapeutics, creation of patient cohorts for clinical trials and optimization of therapeutic strategies for specific patient cohorts. Implementing pre-clinical experimental models for drug development creates a significant challenge as simple in vitro systems and animal models do not fully recapitulate critical steps in the pathogenesis and the complexity of MASLD progression. To address this, we implemented a precision medicine strategy that couples the use of our liver acinus microphysiology system (LAMPS) constructed with patient-derived primary cells. We investigated the MASLD-associated genetic variant PNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M variant) in primary hepatocytes, as it is associated with MASLD progression. We constructed LAMPS with genotyped wild type and variant PNPLA3 hepatocytes together with key non-parenchymal cells and quantified the reproducibility of the model. We altered media components to mimic blood chemistries, including insulin, glucose, free fatty acids, and immune activating molecules to reflect normal fasting (NF), early metabolic syndrome (EMS) and late metabolic syndrome (LMS) conditions. Finally, we investigated the response to treatment with resmetirom, an approved drug for metabolic syndrome-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. This study using primary cells serves as a benchmark for studies using patient biomimetic twins constructed with patient iPSC-derived liver cells using a panel of reproducible metrics. We observed increased steatosis, immune activation, stellate cell activation and secretion of pro-fibrotic markers in the PNPLA3 GG variant compared to wild type CC LAMPS, consistent with the clinical characterization of this variant. We also observed greater resmetirom efficacy in PNPLA3 wild type CC LAMPS compared to the GG variant in multiple MASLD metrics including steatosis, stellate cell activation and the secretion of pro-fibrotic markers. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the capability of the LAMPS platform for the development of MASLD precision therapeutics, enrichment of patient cohorts for clinical trials, and optimization of therapeutic strategies for patient subgroups with different clinical traits and disease stages.
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15
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Spira D, Herbst S, Schwartzmann S, Dutrannoy V, Steinhagen-Thiessen E, Demuth I, Maurer L, Mai K, Spranger J, Mundlos S, Bobbert T. A Novel Variant in the WRN Gene Detected in a Case of Early-Onset Severe Insulin Resistance Displaying Some but Not All Hallmarks of Progeroid Werner Syndrome. Diabetes Care 2024; 47:798-802. [PMID: 38277397 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determining the cause of severe insulin resistance and early-onset diabetes in the case of a young woman in which a wide range of differential diagnoses did not apply. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Diagnostic workup including medical history, physical examination, specialist consultations, imaging methods, laboratory assessment, and genetic testing carried out by next-generation panel sequencing. RESULTS After ruling out several differential diagnoses, genetic testing revealed a previously unknown homozygous variant within the canonical splice site of intron 4 in the WRN gene classified as pathogenic. Thus, although not all cardinal clinical criteria according to existing guidelines had been met, the phenotype of our patient was attributed to Werner syndrome (WS), an autosomal-recessive inherited progeroid syndrome. CONCLUSIONS WS, although rare, must be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of severe insulin resistance. Moreover, recognized clinical criteria of WS may not lead to diagnosis in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Spira
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Herbst
- Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes GmbH, Humangenetik/Next Generation Sequencing, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarina Schwartzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Véronique Dutrannoy
- Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes GmbH, Humangenetik/Next Generation Sequencing, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Lipidclinic Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ilja Demuth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Maurer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Knut Mai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, Reference Centre, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Spranger
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Mundlos
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Bobbert
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Dawood RM, Salum GM, Abd El-Meguid M, Fotouh BES. Molecular Insights of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Pathogenesis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:111-123. [PMID: 38301145 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0162] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most prevalent chronic liver disease. Many hepatic abnormalities are associated with NAFLD such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Moreover, the pathogenesis of NAFLD has numerous etiologies and can be explained due to the existence of several of stimulus that act simultaneously on genetically susceptible patients. These stimuli include obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. In addition, identifying the role of gut microbiota on NAFLD progression has been illustrated. In this review, we clarified the several factors that lead to the development of NAFLD and identify those who are most at risk of developing liver end-stage disease. Highlighting the noninvasive diagnostic NAFLD markers could be helpful in the disease prevention and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Mohammed Dawood
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ghada Maher Salum
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai Abd El-Meguid
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Basma El-Sayed Fotouh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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17
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Butcko AJ, Putman AK, Mottillo EP. The Intersection of Genetic Factors, Aberrant Nutrient Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in the Progression of Cardiometabolic Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:87. [PMID: 38247511 PMCID: PMC10812494 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic disease (CMD), which encompasses metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), has been increasing considerably in the past 50 years. CMD is a complex disease that can be influenced by genetics and environmental factors such as diet. With the increased reliance on processed foods containing saturated fats, fructose and cholesterol, a mechanistic understanding of how these molecules cause metabolic disease is required. A major pathway by which excessive nutrients contribute to CMD is through oxidative stress. In this review, we discuss how oxidative stress can drive CMD and the role of aberrant nutrient metabolism and genetic risk factors and how they potentially interact to promote progression of MAFLD, CVD and CKD. This review will focus on genetic mutations that are known to alter nutrient metabolism. We discuss the major genetic risk factors for MAFLD, which include Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), Membrane Bound O-Acyltransferase Domain Containing 7 (MBOAT7) and Transmembrane 6 Superfamily Member 2 (TM6SF2). In addition, mutations that prevent nutrient uptake cause hypercholesterolemia that contributes to CVD. We also discuss the mechanisms by which MAFLD, CKD and CVD are mutually associated with one another. In addition, some of the genetic risk factors which are associated with MAFLD and CVD are also associated with CKD, while some genetic risk factors seem to dissociate one disease from the other. Through a better understanding of the causative effect of genetic mutations in CMD and how aberrant nutrient metabolism intersects with our genetics, novel therapies and precision approaches can be developed for treating CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Butcko
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 6135 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.J.B.); (A.K.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ashley K. Putman
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 6135 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.J.B.); (A.K.P.)
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 784 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Emilio P. Mottillo
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 6135 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (A.J.B.); (A.K.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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18
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Wang X, Moore MP, Shi H, Miyata Y, Donnelly SK, Radiloff DR, Tabas I. Hepatocyte-targeted siTAZ therapy lowers liver fibrosis in NASH diet-fed chimeric mice with hepatocyte-humanized livers. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101165. [PMID: 38144682 PMCID: PMC10746533 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as the most common cause of liver disease. Although many studies in mouse NASH models have suggested therapies, translation to humans is poor, with no approved drugs for NASH. One explanation may lie in differences between mouse and human hepatocytes. We used NASH diet-fed chimeric mice reconstituted with human hepatocytes (hu-liver mice) to test a mechanism-based hepatocyte-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA), GalNAc-siTaz, shown previously to block the progression to fibrotic NASH in mice. Following ablation of endogenous hepatocytes, male mice were reconstituted with human hepatocytes from a single donor with the rs738409-C/G PNPLA3 risk variant, resulting in ∼95% human hepatocyte reconstitution. The mice were then fed a high-fat choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined diet for 6 weeks to induce NASH, followed by six weekly injections of GalNAc-siTAZ to silence hepatocyte-TAZ or control GalNAc-siRNA (GalNAc-control) while still on the NASH diet. GalNAc-siTAZ lowered human hepatic TAZ and IHH, a TAZ target that promotes NASH fibrosis. Most important, GalNAc-siTAZ decreased liver inflammation, hepatocellular injury, hepatic fibrosis, and profibrogenic mediator expression versus GalNAc-control, indicating that GalNAc-siTAZ decreased the progression of NASH in mice reconstituted with human hepatocytes. In conclusion, silencing TAZ in human hepatocytes suppresses liver fibrosis in a hu-liver model of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mary P. Moore
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hongxue Shi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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19
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Hendriks D, Brouwers JF, Hamer K, Geurts MH, Luciana L, Massalini S, López-Iglesias C, Peters PJ, Rodríguez-Colman MJ, Chuva de Sousa Lopes S, Artegiani B, Clevers H. Engineered human hepatocyte organoids enable CRISPR-based target discovery and drug screening for steatosis. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1567-1581. [PMID: 36823355 PMCID: PMC10635827 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The lack of registered drugs for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is partly due to the paucity of human-relevant models for target discovery and compound screening. Here we use human fetal hepatocyte organoids to model the first stage of NAFLD, steatosis, representing three different triggers: free fatty acid loading, interindividual genetic variability (PNPLA3 I148M) and monogenic lipid disorders (APOB and MTTP mutations). Screening of drug candidates revealed compounds effective at resolving steatosis. Mechanistic evaluation of effective drugs uncovered repression of de novo lipogenesis as the convergent molecular pathway. We present FatTracer, a CRISPR screening platform to identify steatosis modulators and putative targets using APOB-/- and MTTP-/- organoids. From a screen targeting 35 genes implicated in lipid metabolism and/or NAFLD risk, FADS2 (fatty acid desaturase 2) emerged as an important determinant of hepatic steatosis. Enhancement of FADS2 expression increases polyunsaturated fatty acid abundancy which, in turn, reduces de novo lipogenesis. These organoid models facilitate study of steatosis etiology and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delilah Hendriks
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jos F Brouwers
- Research Group Analysis Techniques in the Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, The Netherlands
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karien Hamer
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Geurts
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Léa Luciana
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Massalini
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen López-Iglesias
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Peters
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria J Rodríguez-Colman
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Benedetta Artegiani
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Pharma, Research and Early Development of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Zadoorian A, Du X, Yang H. Lipid droplet biogenesis and functions in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023:10.1038/s41574-023-00845-0. [PMID: 37221402 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitous yet unique, lipid droplets are intracellular organelles that are increasingly being recognized for their versatility beyond energy storage. Advances uncovering the intricacies of their biogenesis and the diversity of their physiological and pathological roles have yielded new insights into lipid droplet biology. Despite these insights, the mechanisms governing the biogenesis and functions of lipid droplets remain incompletely understood. Moreover, the causal relationship between the biogenesis and function of lipid droplets and human diseases is poorly resolved. Here, we provide an update on the current understanding of the biogenesis and functions of lipid droplets in health and disease, highlighting a key role for lipid droplet biogenesis in alleviating cellular stresses. We also discuss therapeutic strategies of targeting lipid droplet biogenesis, growth or degradation that could be applied in the future to common diseases, such as cancer, hepatic steatosis and viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armella Zadoorian
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ximing Du
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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