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Kraus D, Abdelrahim H, Waisbourd-Zinman O, Domin E, Zeharia A, Staretz-Chacham O. Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein in Infantile-Onset Niemann-Pick Type C Disease with Liver Involvement. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040545. [PMID: 35455589 PMCID: PMC9032157 DOI: 10.3390/children9040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive neuro-visceral lipid storage disease. We describe nine cases of infantile-onset NPC with various genetic mutations in the NPC1 gene, which presented with neonatal cholestasis. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were obtained as part of their workup during the first four months of life. In eight of nine (89%) patients, serum AFP demonstrated elevated levels. Seven infants displayed marked elevations, ranging from 4 to 300 times the upper limit for age-adjusted norms. In most patients, AFP levels peaked during the initial test and declined over time as cholestasis resolved. We conclude that elevated AFP levels are a common, although non-specific, marker for NPC-associated liver disease. These findings demonstrate the benefit of including AFP levels in the workup of neonatal liver disease, especially if there is accompanied cholestasis and if NPC is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dror Kraus
- Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva 4920235, Israel; (D.K.); (H.A.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (O.W.-Z.); (A.Z.)
| | - Huda Abdelrahim
- Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva 4920235, Israel; (D.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Orith Waisbourd-Zinman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (O.W.-Z.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Liver Diseases, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva 4920235, Israel
| | - Elena Domin
- Clinical Biochemistry (Metabolic) Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel;
| | - Avraham Zeharia
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (O.W.-Z.); (A.Z.)
- Day Hospitalization Department, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva 4920235, Israel
| | - Orna Staretz-Chacham
- Pediatric Metabolic Clinic, Pediatric Division, Soroka Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva 8480101, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-8-6400508; Fax: +972-8-6400545
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Shen S, Feng H, Liu L, Su W, Yu L, Wu J. TCP10L negatively regulates alpha-fetoprotein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMB Rep 2021. [PMID: 32438969 PMCID: PMC7473475 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2020.53.8.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is one of the most commonly used and reliable biomarkers for Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). However, the underlying mechanism of AFP expression in HCC is poorly understood. In this study, we found that TCP10L, a gene specifically expressed in the liver, is down-regulated in HCC and that its expression inversely correlates with AFP expression. Moreover, overexpression of TCP10L suppresses AFP expression whereas knockdown of TCP10L increases AFP ex-pression, suggesting that TCP10L might be a negative regulator of AFP. We found that TCP10L is associated with the AFP promoter and inhibits AFP promoter-driven transcriptional acti-vity. Taken together, these results indicate that TCP10L nega-tively regulates AFP expression in HCC and that it could be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqin Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huan Feng
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Longjiang Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Su
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Long Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiaxue Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhongshan Hospital and School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Gamil M, Alboraie M, El-Sayed M, Elsharkawy A, Asem N, Elbaz T, Mohey M, Abbas B, Mehrez M, Esmat G. Novel scores combining AFP with non-invasive markers for prediction of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1080-1086. [PMID: 29315641 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were reported to increase in patients with significant or advanced hepatic fibrosis. Combination of non-invasive tests decreases the use of liver biopsy in large proportion of chronic HCV patients. The aim of the study was to compare and combine AFP with commonly used non-invasive fibrosis tests in novel scores for prediction of different stages of hepatic fibrosis. Six hundred and fifty two treatment naïve chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled. Demographic data, basic pre-treatment laboratory tests including complete blood count (CBC), liver biochemical profile and renal functions test, international normalized ratio (INR) in addition to AFP, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by Fibroscan and liver biopsies were retrospectively analyzed. AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and FIB-4 scores were calculated. Different predictive models using multivariate logistic regression analysis were generated and presented in equations (scores) composed of a combination of AFP, LSM plus FIB-4/APRI scores. AFP was correlating significantly with LSM, FIB-4, and APRI scores. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for predicting significant hepatic fibrosis, advanced hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.897, 0.931, and 0.955, respectively, for equations (scores) containing AFP, LSM, and FIB-4. AUROCs for predicting significant hepatic fibrosis, advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.897, 0.929, and 0.959, respectively, for equations (scores) containing AFP, LSM, and APRI. The study shows that combining AFP to serum biomarkers and LSM increases their diagnostic performance for prediction of different stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gamil
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad El-Sayed
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aisha Elsharkawy
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Asem
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elbaz
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Mohey
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mai Mehrez
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Tashbaeva RE, Hwang DN, Song GS, Choi NH, Lee JH, Lyoo YS, Lee SJ, Jung DI, Kim HY, Sur JH. Cellular Characterization of Multidrug Resistance P-glycoprotein, Alpha Fetoprotein, and Neovascular Endothelium-Associated Antigens in Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhotic Liver. Vet Pathol 2016; 44:600-6. [PMID: 17846232 DOI: 10.1354/vp.44-5-600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which is encoded by the multidrug resistance gene (MDR-1); alpha fetoprotein (AFP); and vascular endothelium-associated antigens are well-known markers for human and canine hepatic diseases. We obtained liver tissues from 5 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 12 dogs with cirrhosis, and we performed histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations using anti-P-gp, anti-AFP, anti-CD31, and anti-CD34 antibodies. P-gp was expressed at higher levels in HCC than in cirrhotic livers ( P < .01), and was most commonly localized in biliary canaliculi and small ductuli. AFP was localized mainly in the cytoplasm in HCC ( P < .01) and in a few cases of cirrhosis. In both HCC and cirrhosis, the AFP-positive cells were morphologically similar to normal hepatocytes and showed an even cytoplasmic distribution of AFP. The endothelial markers CD31 and CD34 were used to investigate vascular distribution. CD31 was expressed strongly in the portal area and parenchyma in HCC, but it was rarely observed in the parenchyma in cirrhosis. CD34 expression could not be detected in both HCC and cirrhosis. This study constitutes the first comprehensive study of P-gp, AFP, and endothelial markers in canine HCC and cirrhosis. The importance of these markers in HCC and cirrhosis in dogs was demonstrated and provides a more accurate basis for a definitive diagnosis of HCC and cirrhosis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Tashbaeva
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Hwayang-dong 1, KwangJin-Ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea
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Gabriel E, Schievenbusch S, Kolossov E, Hengstler JG, Rotshteyn T, Bohlen H, Nierhoff D, Hescheler J, Drobinskaya I. Differentiation and selection of hepatocyte precursors in suspension spheroid culture of transgenic murine embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44912. [PMID: 23028675 PMCID: PMC3454367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocyte precursor cells represent a promising model for clinical transplantations to diseased livers, as well as for establishment of in vitro systems for drug metabolism and toxicology investigations. This study aimed to establish an in vitro culture system for scalable generation of hepatic progenitor cells. We used stable transgenic clones of murine embryonic stem cells possessing a reporter/selection vector, in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein- and puromycin N-acetyltransferase-coding genes are driven by a common alpha-fetoprotein gene promoter. This allowed for "live" monitoring and puromycin selection of the desired differentiating cell type possessing the activated alpha-fetoprotein gene. A rotary culture system was established, sequentially yielding initially partially selected hepatocyte lineage-committed cells, and finally, a highly purified cell population maintained as a dynamic suspension spheroid culture, which progressively developed the hepatic gene expression phenotype. The latter was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis, which showed a progressive up-regulation of hepatic genes during spheroid culture, indicating development of a mixed hepatocyte precursor-/fetal hepatocyte-like cell population. Adherent spheroids gave rise to advanced differentiated hepatocyte-like cells expressing hepatic proteins such as albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, cytokeratin 18, E-cadherin, and liver-specific organic anion transporter 1, as demonstrated by fluorescent immunostaining. A fraction of adherent cells was capable of glycogen storage and of reversible up-take of indocyanine green, demonstrating their hepatocyte-like functionality. Moreover, after transplantation of spheroids into the mouse liver, the spheroid-derived cells integrated into recipient. These results demonstrate that large-scale hepatocyte precursor-/hepatocyte-like cultures can be established for use in clinical trials, as well as in in vitro screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Gabriel
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tamara Rotshteyn
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Nierhoff
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Irina Drobinskaya
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Peterson ML, Ma C, Spear BT. Zhx2 and Zbtb20: novel regulators of postnatal alpha-fetoprotein repression and their potential role in gene reactivation during liver cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2011; 21:21-7. [PMID: 21216289 PMCID: PMC3313486 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene is abundantly expressed in the fetal liver, normally silent in the adult liver but is frequently reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma. The basis for AFP expression in the fetal liver has been studied extensively. However, the basis for AFP reactivation during hepatocarcinogenesis is not well understood. Two novel factors that control postnatal AFP repression, Zhx2 and Zbtb20, were recently identified. Here, we review the transcription factors that regulate AFP in the fetal liver, as well as Zhx2 and Zbtb20, and raise the possibility that the loss of these postnatal repressors may be involved in AFP reactivation in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Abstract
Hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein (HPAFP) is a rare benign autosomal dominant disorder. Here we report a 7-year-old healthy female who was found to have elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) of 55-88 ng/ml over a 2-year period. Subsequently, AFP was also determined to be elevated in another 4 out of 8 family members in three generations, consistent with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Elevated AFP levels are usually related to pregnancy, congenital disorders, liver diseases, or specific malignancies. However, HPAFP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with unexplained elevation of AFP. This disorder can be easily confirmed by measuring AFP levels in family members or checking specific point mutations of AFP gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxin Li
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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Drobinskaya I, Linn T, Saric T, Bretzel RG, Bohlen H, Hescheler J, Kolossov E. Scalable selection of hepatocyte- and hepatocyte precursor-like cells from culture of differentiating transgenically modified murine embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2008; 26:2245-56. [PMID: 18556507 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Potential therapeutic applications of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived hepatocytes are limited by their relatively low output in differentiating ESC cultures, as well as by the danger of contamination with tumorigenic undifferentiated ESCs. To address these problems, we developed transgenic murine ESC clones possessing bicistronic expression vector that contains the alpha-fetoprotein gene promoter driving a cassette for the enhanced green "live" fluorescent reporter protein (eGFP) and a puromycin resistance gene. Under established culture conditions these clones allowed for both monitoring of differentiation and for puromycin selection of hepatocyte-committed cells in a suspension mass culture of transgenic ESC aggregates ("embryoid bodies" [EBs]). When plated on fibronectin, the selected eGFP-positive cells formed colonies, in which intensely proliferating hepatocyte precursor-like cells gave rise to morphologically differentiated cells expressing alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-fetoprotein, and albumin. A number of cells synthesized glycogen and in some of the cells cytokeratin 18 microfilaments were detected. Major hepatocyte marker genes were expressed in the culture, along with the gene and protein expression of stem/progenitor markers, suggesting the features of both hepatocyte precursors and more advanced differentiated cells. When cultured in suspension, the EB-derived puromycin-selected cells formed spheroids capable of outgrowing on an adhesive substrate, resembling the behavior of fetal mouse hepatic progenitor cells. The established system based on the highly efficient selection/purification procedure could be suitable for scalable generation of ESC-derived hepatocyte- and hepatocyte precursor-like cells and offers a potential in vitro source of cells for transplantation therapy of liver diseases, tissue engineering, and drug and toxicology screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Drobinskaya
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch Str. 39, D-50931 Cologne, Germany.
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Morford LA, Davis C, Jin L, Dobierzewska A, Peterson ML, Spear BT. The oncofetal gene glypican 3 is regulated in the postnatal liver by zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 and in the regenerating liver by alpha-fetoprotein regulator 2. Hepatology 2007; 46:1541-7. [PMID: 17668883 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Glypican 3 (Gpc3) gene is expressed abundantly in the fetal liver, is inactive in the normal adult liver, and is frequently reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This reactivation in HCC has led to considerable interest in Gpc3 as a diagnostic tumor marker and its possible role in tumorigenesis. Despite this interest, the basis for Gpc3 regulation is poorly understood. On the basis of the similarities between Gpc3 and alpha-fetoprotein expression in the liver, we reasoned that common factors might regulate these 2 genes. Here we identify zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) as a regulator of Gpc3. Mouse strain-specific differences in adult liver Gpc3 messenger RNA levels and transgenic mouse studies indicate that Zhx2 represses Gpc3 expression in the adult liver. We also demonstrate that Gpc3 is activated in the regenerating liver following a carbon tetrachloride treatment and that the level of Gpc3 induction is controlled by alpha-fetoprotein regulator 2 (Afr2). CONCLUSION We show that Zhx2 acts as a repressor of Gpc3 in the adult liver, and this raises the interesting possibility that Zhx2 might also be involved in Gpc3 reactivation in HCC. We also show that Gpc3 is activated in the regenerating liver in an Afr2-dependent manner. Zhx2 and Afr2 represent the first known regulators of Gpc3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorri A Morford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Cheng HT, Chang YH, Chen YY, Lee TH, Tai DI, Lin DY. AFP-L3 in chronic liver diseases with persistent elevation of alpha-fetoprotein. J Chin Med Assoc 2007; 70:310-317. [PMID: 17698430 DOI: 10.1016/s1726-4901(08)70011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, persistent elevation of AFP is found in patients with chronic liver diseases. The value of AFP-L3, which is more specific than AFP, was examined in such patients. METHODS We enrolled patients without image-detectable tumor, but with transient AFP value > 900 ng/mL (group A) or with persistent AFP value > 50 ng/mL for longer than 6 months (group B). Forty-one patients with HCC and AFP value > 50 ng/mL were included as the HCC control group (group C). AFP-L3 measurement was done by lectin-affinity electrophoresis coupled with antibody-affinity blotting. The study patients were followed with AFP, liver biochemistry and abdominal ultrasound at 3- to 6-month intervals. Additional studies were done when a tumor was suspected. RESULTS One of 17 patients in group A and 13 of 39 patients in group B developed HCC within 2 years. When the cutoff value of AFP-L3 ratio was 15%, both the sensitivity and specificity were 71% for prediction of HCC during the next 2 years in all patients. Ninety percent of tumors larger than 5 cm had AFP-L3 > 15%, compared with only 60% for tumors smaller than 2 cm. Three patients in group A had AFP-L3 ratio > 17.5%. One patient developed HCC 10 months later; the other 2 patients were associated with hepatic failure. CONCLUSION AFP-L3 provides a clue in HCC detection in patients with persistent elevation of AFP. However, AFP-L3 could be highly elevated in severe hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hau-Tsai Cheng
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Meier V, Tron K, Batusic D, Elmaouhoub A, Ramadori G. Expression of AFP and Rev-Erb A/Rev-Erb B and N-CoR in fetal rat liver, liver injury and liver regeneration. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2006; 5:2. [PMID: 16822301 PMCID: PMC1552085 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2006] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression can resume in the adult liver under pathophysiological conditions. Orphan nuclear receptors were supposed to regulate AFP gene expression, in vitro. We were interested to study the expression of AFP and orphan nuclear receptors, in vivo. Results The expression of AFP gene and orphan nuclear receptors in the liver was examined in different rat models: (a) fetal liver (b) liver regeneration [partial hepatectomy (PH) with and without 2-acetyl-aminofluren treatment (2-AAF)], (c) acute liver damage [treatment with CCl4] and (d) acute phase reaction [treatment with turpentine oil]. After PH of 2-AAF treated rats, clusters of AFP positive cells occurred in the periportal region. In the Northern blot analysis, a positive hybridization signal for the full-length AFP-RNA was observed only in liver samples from 2-AAF treated rats after PH. In real-time PCR analysis, the full-length AFP-RNA was highly up regulated in the fetal liver (maximum at day 14: 21,500 fold); after PH of 2-AAF treated rats, the full-length AFP-RNA was also up regulated up to 400 fold (day 7 after PH). The orphan nuclear receptors were down regulated at nearly each time points in all models, also at time point of up regulation of the AFP gene. Conclusion Expression of "fetal" AFP could be demonstrated during liver development and during proliferation of the so-called oval cells. Changes of expression of orphan nuclear receptors, however, did not correlate with AFP expression. Other regulatory pathways were possibly involved in controlling AFP expression, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Meier
- University of Goettingen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kyrylo Tron
- University of Goettingen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Danko Batusic
- University of Goettingen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Abderrahim Elmaouhoub
- University of Goettingen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Giuliano Ramadori
- University of Goettingen, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Goettingen, Germany
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Cui R, Nguyen TT, Taube JH, Stratton SA, Feuerman MH, Barton MC. Family members p53 and p73 act together in chromatin modification and direct repression of alpha-fetoprotein transcription. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:39152-60. [PMID: 16203738 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m504655200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene is a diagnostic tumor marker of hepatocellular carcinoma. We find that AFP gene expression is repressed by the TP53 family member p73 during normal hepatic development and when p73alpha or p73beta is introduced into cultured hepatoma cells that express AFP. Transient co-transfection of p53 family members showed that p53 and transactivating (TA)-p73, but not TA-p63, repress endogenous AFP transcription additively or independently. p53-independent functions of p73 are further supported by delayed, p73-associated compensation of AFP repression during development of the p53-null mouse. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays of normal and p53-null mouse liver tissue showed that TA-p73 binds at a previously identified p53 repressor site (-860/-830) within the distal promoter of AFP at a level equivalent to p53 in wild type liver, with increased binding of TA-p73 to chromatin in the absence of p53. Sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that TA-p73 and p53 bind simultaneously to their shared regulatory site in wild type liver. Like the founding family member p53, TA-p73 represses AFP expression by chromatin structure alteration, targeting reduction of acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 and increased dimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 levels. However, chromatin-bound TA-p73 is associated with elevated di- and tri-methylated histone H3 lysine 4 levels in p53-null liver and hepatoma cells, concomitant with a reduced ability to repress transcription compared with p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutao Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Program in Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Jin DK, Anderson EC, Gilbert E, Feuerman MH. AFP gene expression after acute diethylnitrosamine intoxication is not Afr2 regulated. Cancer Lett 2005; 220:211-20. [PMID: 15766596 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2004.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2004] [Revised: 07/24/2004] [Accepted: 07/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene expression during liver regeneration in mice is regulated by the Afr2 gene. C3H/HeJ mice express 10-fold higher levels of AFP than C57BL/6J mice. We show that AFP gene expression is not Afr2 regulated after intoxication with the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Peak levels of AFP gene expression of the 2 strains were identical, although reached at different times following treatment. Analysis of the expression of AFP derived transgenes not subject to Afr2 regulation and genetic analyses showed that the difference in timing of peak AFP gene expression after DEN intoxication was independent of Afr2 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, Box 8 SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Nguyen TT, Cho K, Stratton SA, Barton MC. Transcription factor interactions and chromatin modifications associated with p53-mediated, developmental repression of the alpha-fetoprotein gene. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:2147-57. [PMID: 15743813 PMCID: PMC1061614 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.6.2147-2157.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses of developmentally staged solid tissues isolated from wild-type and p53-null mice to determine specific histone N-terminal modifications, histone-modifying proteins, and transcription factor interactions at the developmental repressor region (-850) and core promoter of the hepatic tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene. Both repression of AFP during liver development and silencing in the brain, where AFP is never expressed, are associated with dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (DiMetH3K9) and the presence of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). These heterochromatic markers remain localized to AFP during developmental repression but spread to the upstream albumin gene during silencing. Developmentally regulated decreases in levels of acetylated H3 (AcH3K9) and H4 (AcH4) and of di- and trimethylated H3K4 (DiMetH3K4 and TriMetH3K4) occur at both the core promoter and distal repressor regions of AFP. Hepatic expression of AFP correlates with FoxA interaction at the repressor region and the binding of RNA polymerase II and TATA-binding protein to the core promoter. p53 acts as a developmental repressor of AFP in the liver by binding to chromatin, excluding FoxA interaction and targeting mSin3A/HDAC1 to the distal repressor region. p53-null mice exhibit developmentally delayed AFP repression, concomitant with acetylation of H3K9, methylation of H3K4, and loss of DiMetH3K9, mSin3A/HDAC1, and HP1 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi T Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Program in Genes and Development, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Park JK, Feuerman MH. Afr2 regulation occurs cell-autonomously in vitro but is not conferred on episomal DNA in transient assays. DNA Cell Biol 2005; 24:189-98. [PMID: 15767785 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2005.24.189] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncofetal antigens such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are expressed in regenerating liver. The level of AFP gene expression during liver regeneration is regulated by the unlinked, autosomal gene, Alpha-fetoprotein regulator 2 (Afr2). C3H/HeJ (Afr2A/A) mice express 10-fold higher levels of AFP than C57BL/6J (Afr2B/B) mice. Here we show that primary hepatocytes isolated from C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice exhibit differential expression of the endogenous AFP gene, which was attributed to the Afr2 gene locus and indicative of a cell-autonomous mechanism. We show that the Afr2-Response Element (ARE), between 1010 and 838 base pairs upstream of the AFP transcriptional start site, did not modulate reporter gene expression in transfection assays of Hep G2, Hep 3B, Hepa 1.6, and HeLa cell lines. Reporter gene expression in transiently transfected primary hepatocytes was also ARE-independent. Finally, gene expression from reporter constructs delivered by hydrodynamics-based transfection to the livers of C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice after CCl4-induced liver regeneration was ARE-independent. In conclusion, ARE-dependent transcription was not found in transient assays performed in three different systems, two of which retained regulation of the endogenous AFP gene, suggesting that the ARE may not function as a simple transcription factor recognition site.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Park
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA
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16
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Persad R, Liu C, Wu TT, Houlihan PS, Hamilton SR, Diehl AM, Rashid A. Overexpression of caspase-3 in hepatocellular carcinomas. Mod Pathol 2004; 17:861-7. [PMID: 15098015 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-3 is a downstream effector cysteine protease in the apoptotic pathway. It is ubiquitously expressed in normal human tissues including the liver. Overexpression and loss of expression of caspase-3 has been reported in diverse human malignancies. However, expression of caspase-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been studied. Therefore, we studied its expression in four hepatoma cell lines and 22 HCCs by Western blot, and correlated the findings with in vitro caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. In addition, 47 surgically resected HCCs and 29 metastatic colorectal carcinomas were evaluated for caspase-3 expression by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, and the staining intensity was correlated with the clinicopathological features. Caspase-3 overexpression was present in all four hepatoma cell lines, and 68% (15/22) of HCCs in comparison to the non-neoplastic liver parenchyma by Western blot, and in 52% (36/69) of HCCs by immunohistochemistry. Caspase-3 overexpression in HCCs by Western blot correlated with caspase-3 overexpression by immunohistochemistry (P=0.002), and in vitro caspase-3 activity (P=0.01). Caspase-3 overexpression in HCCs by immunohistochemistry was associated with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (P=0.01). In conclusion, caspase-3 is frequently overexpressed in HCCs and is associated with high serum levels of AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Persad
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4095, USA
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17
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Alj Y, Georgiakaki M, Savouret JF, Mal F, Attali P, Pelletier G, Fourré C, Milgrom E, Buffet C, Guiochon-Mantel A, Perlemuter G. Hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein is due to both proximal and distal hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 site mutations. Gastroenterology 2004; 126:308-17. [PMID: 14699509 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The molecular mechanism of hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein (HPAFP) has been previously described in a large Scottish family, consisting of a -119G>A substitution in the distal hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1) binding site of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene promoter. We report here the molecular mechanisms of HPAFP in 2 new unrelated families. METHODS Family 1 was of Bengali origin, and family 2 was Italian. Four of 5 subjects (family 1) and 3 of 9 (family 2) showed HPAFP. The AFP gene promoter was studied in all available family members. RESULTS All subjects with high AFP levels had mutated promoter sequences. Family 1 showed the reported -119G>A substitution. Family 2 showed -55C>A and -65C>T substitutions in the proximal putative HNF-1 binding region of the promoter. The -55C>A mutation increased the similarity of the proximal HNF-1 binding region to a consensus binding region. Gel shift assays confirmed its increased affinity toward HNF-1, and transfection experiments revealed an increased level of gene transcription. The -65C>T substitution theoretically created a CCAAT box. However, gel shift and transfection experiments failed to show any biological effect of this substitution that is associated with the -55C>A mutation. CONCLUSIONS Two different mutations localized in either HNF-1 binding sites of the AFP gene promoter may result in HPAFP. This highlights the importance of HNF-1 in AFP gene expression. Unexplained persistent AFP should lead to family study and/or AFP gene promoter sequencing to avoid inappropriate explorations and treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Alj
- INSERM U135 Hormones, Hôpital Bicêtre, Cedex, France
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18
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Hillebrandt S, Goos C, Matern S, Lammert F. Genome-wide analysis of hepatic fibrosis in inbred mice identifies the susceptibility locus Hfib1 on chromosome 15. Gastroenterology 2002; 123:2041-51. [PMID: 12454860 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2002.37069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Host genetic factors are likely to contribute to the variable course of hepatic fibrosis in response to chronic liver injury. Similarly, the fibrotic response differs among inbred mouse strains after challenge with CCl(4). Our aim was to identify unknown susceptibility loci for hepatic fibrosis in a cross between fibrosis-susceptible and -resistant inbred mice. METHODS Seven inbred mouse strains were treated with CCl(4), and hepatic fibrosis was phenotypically characterized by histology, hepatic hydroxyproline levels, and serum surrogate markers. F(1) hybrids of susceptible BALB/cJ and resistant A/J inbred strains were intercrossed to obtain 358 F(2) progeny. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) that determine hepatic fibrosis were identified by genome-wide interval mapping and haplotype analysis. RESULTS In this model, marked strain differences in fibrosis susceptibility exist, with BALB/c inbred mice being most susceptible. The hydroxyproline levels of F(1) mice resemble the resistant parental strains, indicating that fibrosis susceptibility is a recessive trait. QTL analysis identifies a susceptibility locus on chromosome 15 that significantly affects the stage of fibrosis and hydroxyproline levels. According to standard nomenclature, this locus is called Hfib1 (hepatic fibrogenic gene 1). Hfib1 is defined by genetic markers D15Mit26 and D15Mit122. A suggestive QTL on chromosome 2 colocalizes with the complement factor 5 gene, known to be mutated in the resistant strain A. CONCLUSIONS The set of inbred strains provides a framework for systematic analysis of fibrogenic genes. QTL mapping is useful to identify genetic susceptibility loci for hepatic fibrosis that might harbor new molecular targets for antifibrotic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hillebrandt
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen University, Germany
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19
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Poon TC, Chan AT, Zee B, Ho SK, Mok TS, Leung TW, Johnson PJ. Application of classification tree and neural network algorithms to the identification of serological liver marker profiles for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncology 2002; 61:275-83. [PMID: 11721174 DOI: 10.1159/000055334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although many attempts have been made to identify tumour-specific alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) glycoforms or other serological markers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), none of the available markers has, so far, shown satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. Here we aimed to apply classification tree and neural network algorithms to interpret the levels of multiple serological liver markers to improve overall specificity and sensitivity, particularly with a view to discriminating between liver cirrhosis with and without HCC. METHODS We developed classification trees and neural networks that identified serological liver marker profiles comprising AFP, alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT), alpha2-macroglobulin (A2MG), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), transferrin and albumin as well as sex and age, which might permit the diagnosis of HCC. Data were collected from 65 HCC patients, 51 patients with liver cirrhosis alone (LC) and 51 normal healthy subjects. RESULTS The generated classification trees and neural networks showed similar diagnostic values in differentiating HCC from LC. The classification trees identified AFP, A1AT and albumin as the most important classification parameters, whereas the neural networks identified A2MG, AFP, A1AT and albumin as the predominant factors. The classification logic of the classification trees indicated that more HCC cases could be identified among cases with slightly elevated AFP levels by using the serum levels of A1AT and albumin. The neural networks were also useful for the identification of the HCC cases when the AFP levels were below 500 ng/ml (p < 0.005). The neural networks could identify HCC cases with AFP levels within the normal range, but the classification trees could not. By combining the conventional AFP test and the neural networks, the overall diagnostic sensitivity for HCC was significantly increased from 60.0 to 73.8% (p < 0.05) while maintaining a high specificity (88.2%). The sensitivities for tumors of different sizes were similar. CONCLUSION The neural network algorithm appeared to be more powerful than the classification tree algorithm in the identification of the distinctive serological liver marker profiles for the diagnosis of the HCC subgroup without significant elevation in serum AFP levels. By incorporating serological levels of other liver markers and including data from a large number of patients and control subjects, it should prove possible to develop a versatile neural network for early diagnosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Poon
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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20
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Geissler M, Mohr L, Weth R, Köhler G, Grimm CF, Krohne TU, von Weizsäcker F, Blum HE. Immunotherapy directed against alpha-fetoprotein results in autoimmune liver disease during liver regeneration in mice. Gastroenterology 2001; 121:931-9. [PMID: 11606506 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.28019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Priming immune responses against alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) highly expressed in the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas results in significant antitumoral T-cell responses. Liver regeneration in humans and mice, however, is also associated with increased AFP expression. Therefore, we evaluated the risk of AFP-directed immunotherapeutic approaches to induce autoimmunity against the regenerating liver. METHODS Mice were immunized with DNA encoding mouse AFP. For induction of liver regeneration, partial hepatectomy was performed and mice were monitored by serial histopathologic examinations and measurements of serum ALT activities (U/L), and by determination of the kinetics of AFP-specific T-cell responses. RESULTS Livers of AFP immune mice without partial hepatectomy were characterized by minor lymphocytic infiltrations without transaminase elevations. By contrast, a significant hepatocyte damage was observed in regenerating liver that correlated well with the number of AFP-specific CD8(+) T cells, the activity of liver regeneration, and the level of AFP synthesis. Autoimmune liver damage was mediated by CD4(+) T cell-dependent CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS These results show that priming of T-cell responses against shared tumor-specific self antigens may be accompanied by induction of autoimmunity dependent on the level of expression of the self antigen and have important implications for the development of antitumoral vaccines targeted against antigens that are not strictly tumor-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Geissler
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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21
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Bois-Joyeux B, Chauvet C, Nacer-Chérif H, Bergeret W, Mazure N, Giguère V, Laudet V, Danan JL. Modulation of the far-upstream enhancer of the rat alpha-fetoprotein gene by members of the ROR alpha, Rev-erb alpha, and Rev-erb beta groups of monomeric orphan nuclear receptors. DNA Cell Biol 2000; 19:589-99. [PMID: 11058961 DOI: 10.1089/104454900750019344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the oncodevelopmental alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene is tightly regulated and occurs in the yolk sac, fetal liver and intestine, and cancerous liver cells. Transcription of the AFP gene is under the control of three enhancers that are very tissue specific. We have shown that the most upstream of these enhancers, located at -6 kb, works through the combined action of liver-enriched factors and nuclear receptors that bind to three regions of this DNA regulatory element. This study showed that orphan nuclear receptors of the ROR alpha, Re-verb alpha, and Rev-erb beta groups can bind as monomers with high affinity and specificity to an evolutionarily conserved AGGTCA motif in the functionally important region 1 of this AFP enhancer. Transient transfection experiments performed with human HepG2 hepatoma cells showed that overproduction of ROR alpha 4 stimulated the activity of the AFP enhancer in a dose-dependent manner, while that of Rev-erb alpha and Rev-erb beta had the opposite effect. These effects were highly specific and required the integrity of the AGGTCA motif. The action of these nuclear receptors also occurred in the context of the entire 7-kb regulatory region of the rat AFP gene. These results suggest that altering the amounts or activities of these orphan receptors in cells of hepatic or endodermal origin could modulate AFP gene expression in response to a variety of developmental or carcinogenic stimuli.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites
- Binding, Competitive
- Caco-2 Cells
- Chickens
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/genetics
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Mice
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group D, Member 1
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 1
- Plasmids
- Protein Binding
- Proteins/genetics
- Proteins/metabolism
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Thyroid Hormone
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transfection
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- alpha-Fetoproteins/genetics
- alpha-Fetoproteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bois-Joyeux
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Endocrinologie Moléculaire et le Développement, CNRS, Meudon, France
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Ogden SK, Lee KC, Barton MC. Hepatitis B viral transactivator HBx alleviates p53-mediated repression of alpha-fetoprotein gene expression. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:27806-14. [PMID: 10842185 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m004449200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The exact mechanism by which chronic infection with HBV contributes to onset of HCC is unknown. However, previous studies have implicated the HBV transactivator protein, HBx, in progression of HCC through its ability to bind the human tumor suppressor protein, p53. In this study, we have examined the ability of HBx to modify p53 regulation of the HCC tumor marker gene, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). By utilizing in vitro chromatin assembly of DNA templates prior to transcription analysis, we have demonstrated that HBx functionally disrupts p53-mediated repression of AFP transcription through protein-protein interaction. HBx modification of p53 gene regulation is both tissue-specific and dependent upon the p53 binding element. Our data suggest that the mechanism by which HBx alleviates p53 repression of AFP transcription is through an association with DNA-bound p53, resulting in a loss of p53 interaction with liver-specific transcriptional co-repressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Ogden
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
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Abstract
The mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene provides an excellent model system to study developmental gene activation and different aspects of liver-specific transcriptional control. AFP is activated early in hepatogenesis, repressed post-natally, and can be reactivated during liver regeneration and in hepatocellular carcinomas. Transgenic studies have also revealed that AFP enhancers, when linked individually to a heterologous promoter, can confer zonal control in the adult liver. Continued transgenic studies, combined with analysis using in vitro and tissue culture systems, will help elucidate mechanisms of transcriptional regulation during liver development and hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Spear
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0084, USA
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