1
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Fernández-Barrena MG, Avila MA. Sweet dreams could be made of this: carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) as a target for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38837736 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13669] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rewiring of cellular metabolism is now fully recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells reprogram metabolic pathways to meet the energetic and macromolecular demands to support unrestricted growth and survival under unfavorable conditions. It is becoming apparent that these adaptations underpin most of the traits that define a cancer cell's identity, including the ability to avoid immune surveillance, endure nutrient and oxygen restrictions, detach and migrate from their natural histological niche, and avert human-made aggressions (i.e., therapy). In a recent study, Benichou and collaborators identify carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), a master regulator of physiological glucose metabolism, as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Upregulation of ChREBP expression results in a self-stimulatory loop interconnecting PI3K/AKT signaling and glucose metabolism to feed fatty acid and nucleotide synthesis supporting tumorigenesis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of ChREBP activity quells in vivo HCC tumor growth without causing systemic toxicity. This study identifies novel oncometabolic pathways and open up new avenues to improve the treatment of a deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías A Avila
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Krishnamurthy KA, Rutten MGS, Hoogerland JA, van Dijk TH, Bos T, Koehorst M, de Vries MP, Kloosterhuis NJ, Havinga H, Schomakers BV, van Weeghel M, Wolters JC, Bakker BM, Oosterveer MH. Hepatic ChREBP orchestrates intrahepatic carbohydrate metabolism to limit hepatic glucose 6-phosphate and glycogen accumulation in a mouse model for acute Glycogen Storage Disease type Ib. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101838. [PMID: 37995884 PMCID: PMC10716006 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein (ChREBP) is a glucose 6-phosphate (G6P)-sensitive transcription factor that acts as a metabolic switch to maintain intracellular glucose and phosphate homeostasis. Hepatic ChREBP is well-known for its regulatory role in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and de novo lipogenesis. The physiological role of ChREBP in hepatic glycogen metabolism and blood glucose regulation has not been assessed in detail, and ChREBP's contribution to carbohydrate flux adaptations in hepatic Glycogen Storage Disease type 1 (GSD I) requires further investigation. METHODS The current study aimed to investigate the role of ChREBP as a regulator of glycogen metabolism in response to hepatic G6P accumulation, using a model for acute hepatic GSD type Ib. The immediate biochemical and regulatory responses to hepatic G6P accumulation were evaluated upon G6P transporter inhibition by the chlorogenic acid S4048 in mice that were either treated with a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed against ChREBP (shChREBP) or a scrambled shRNA (shSCR). Complementary stable isotope experiments were performed to quantify hepatic carbohydrate fluxes in vivo. RESULTS ShChREBP treatment normalized the S4048-mediated induction of hepatic ChREBP target genes to levels observed in vehicle- and shSCR-treated controls. In parallel, hepatic shChREBP treatment in S4048-infused mice resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of hepatic glycogen and further reduction of blood glucose levels compared to shSCR treatment. Hepatic ChREBP knockdown modestly increased glucokinase (GCK) flux in S4048-treated mice while it enhanced UDP-glucose turnover as well as glycogen synthase and phosphorylase fluxes. Hepatic GCK mRNA and protein levels were induced by shChREBP treatment in both vehicle- and S4048-treated mice, while glycogen synthase 2 (GYS2) and glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL) mRNA and protein levels were reduced. Finally, knockdown of hepatic ChREBP expression reduced starch domain binding protein 1 (STBD1) mRNA and protein levels while it inhibited acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) activity, suggesting reduced capacity for lysosomal glycogen breakdown. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that ChREBP activation controls hepatic glycogen and blood glucose levels in acute hepatic GSD Ib through concomitant regulation of glucose phosphorylation, glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis. ChREBP-mediated control of GCK enzyme levels aligns with corresponding adaptations in GCK flux. In contrast, ChREBP activation in response to acute hepatic GSD Ib exerts opposite effects on GYS2/PYGL enzyme levels and their corresponding fluxes, indicating that GYS2/PYGL expression levels are not limiting to their respective fluxes under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Krishnamurthy
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M G S Rutten
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J A Hoogerland
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T H van Dijk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T Bos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Koehorst
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M P de Vries
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Interfaculty Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N J Kloosterhuis
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Havinga
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B V Schomakers
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, UMC Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, UMC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M van Weeghel
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, UMC Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, UMC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J C Wolters
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Interfaculty Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B M Bakker
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M H Oosterveer
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
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3
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Yu A, Yu P, Zhu Y, Zhu R, Sun R, Ye D, Yu FX. Glucose-induced and ChREBP: MLX-mediated lipogenic program promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development. Oncogene 2023; 42:3182-3193. [PMID: 37684408 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The Carbohydrate Response Element (ChoRE) Binding Protein (ChREBP) and its binding partner Max-like protein X (MLX) mediate transcription of lipogenic genes under glucose-rich conditions. Dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism frequently occurs in cancers, including Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCCs). However, it is currently unclear whether the glucose-induced lipogenic program plays a role in the development of HCCs. Here, we show that MLX expression is elevated in HCC specimens and downregulation of MLX expression inhibits proliferation of HCC cells. In mice, liver-specific knockout of Mlx results in dramatic decrease in the expression of lipogenic genes and lipid levels in circulation. Interestingly, in the absence of Mlx, the development of tumors in multiple HCC models, such as diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment and hydrodynamic injection of oncogenes (AKT/RAS or CTNNB1/RAS), is robustly blocked. However, a high-fat diet can partially restore tumorigenesis in Mlx-deficient livers, indicating a critical role of lipid synthesis in HCC development. In addition, liver-specific expression of a dominant negative MLX (dnMLX) via adeno-associated virus effectively blocks tumorigenesis in mice. Thus, the glucose-induced lipogenic program is required in the development of HCC, and the ChREBP: MLX transcription factors serve as a potential target for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijuan Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pengcheng Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Renqiang Sun
- Huashan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Ye
- Huashan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fa-Xing Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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4
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Liu S, He L, Bannister OB, Li J, Schnegelberger RD, Vanderpuye CM, Althouse AD, Schopfer FJ, Wahlang B, Cave MC, Monga SP, Zhang X, Arteel GE, Beier JI. Western diet unmasks transient low-level vinyl chloride-induced tumorigenesis; potential role of the (epi-)transcriptome. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 468:116514. [PMID: 37061008 PMCID: PMC10164119 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Vinyl chloride (VC) monomer is a volatile organic compound commonly used in industry. At high exposure levels, VC causes liver cancer and toxicant-associated steatohepatitis. However, lower exposure levels (i.e., sub-regulatory exposure limits) that do not directly damage the liver, enhance injury caused by Western diet (WD). It is still unknown if the long-term impact of transient low-concentration VC enhances the risk of liver cancer development. This is especially a concern given that fatty liver disease is in and of itself a risk factor for the development of liver cancer. METHODS C57Bl/6 J mice were fed WD or control diet (CD) for 1 year. During the first 12 weeks of feeding only, mice were also exposed to VC via inhalation at sub-regulatory limit concentrations (<1 ppm) or air for 6 h/day, 5 days/week. RESULTS Feeding WD for 1 year caused significant hepatic injury, which was exacerbated by VC. Additionally, VC increased the number of tumors which ranged from moderately to poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated VC-induced changes in metabolic but also ribosomal processes. Epitranscriptomic analysis showed a VC-induced shift of the modification pattern that has been associated with metabolic disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cancer. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that VC sensitizes the liver to other stressors (e.g., WD), resulting in enhanced tumorigenesis. These data raise concerns about potential interactions between VC exposure and WD. It also emphasizes that current safety restrictions may be insufficient to account for other factors that can influence hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Liqing He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208, United States of America.
| | - Olivia B Bannister
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Regina D Schnegelberger
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Charis-Marie Vanderpuye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Andrew D Althouse
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Francisco J Schopfer
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Banrida Wahlang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America.
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Liver Transplant Program at UofL Health-Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; The Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40206, United States of America.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208, United States of America; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40202, United States of America.
| | - Gavin E Arteel
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Juliane I Beier
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
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5
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Rutten MGS, Lei Y, Hoogerland JH, Bloks VW, Yang H, Bos T, Krishnamurthy KA, Bleeker A, Koster MH, Thomas RE, Wolters JC, van den Bos H, Mithieux G, Rajas F, Mardinoglu A, Spierings DCJ, de Bruin A, van de Sluis B, Oosterveer MH. Normalization of hepatic ChREBP activity does not protect against liver disease progression in a mouse model for Glycogen Storage Disease type Ia. Cancer Metab 2023; 11:5. [PMID: 37085901 PMCID: PMC10122297 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-023-00305-3] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD Ia) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a defect in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC1) activity, which induces severe hepatomegaly and increases the risk for liver cancer. Hepatic GSD Ia is characterized by constitutive activation of Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein (ChREBP), a glucose-sensitive transcription factor. Previously, we showed that ChREBP activation limits non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in hepatic GSD Ia. As ChREBP has been proposed as a pro-oncogenic molecular switch that supports tumour progression, we hypothesized that ChREBP normalization protects against liver disease progression in hepatic GSD Ia. METHODS Hepatocyte-specific G6pc knockout (L-G6pc-/-) mice were treated with AAV-shChREBP to normalize hepatic ChREBP activity. RESULTS Hepatic ChREBP normalization in GSD Ia mice induced dysplastic liver growth, massively increased hepatocyte size, and was associated with increased hepatic inflammation. Furthermore, nuclear levels of the oncoprotein Yes Associated Protein (YAP) were increased and its transcriptional targets were induced in ChREBP-normalized GSD Ia mice. Hepatic ChREBP normalization furthermore induced DNA damage and mitotic activity in GSD Ia mice, while gene signatures of chromosomal instability, the cytosolic DNA-sensing cGAS-STING pathway, senescence, and hepatocyte dedifferentiation emerged. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings indicate that ChREBP activity limits hepatomegaly while decelerating liver disease progression and protecting against chromosomal instability in hepatic GSD Ia. These results disqualify ChREBP as a therapeutic target for treatment of liver disease in GSD Ia. In addition, they underline the importance of establishing the context-specific roles of hepatic ChREBP to define its therapeutic potential to prevent or treat advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn G S Rutten
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne H Hoogerland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hong Yang
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Trijnie Bos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kishore A Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aycha Bleeker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H Koster
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel E Thomas
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Justina C Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilda van den Bos
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles Mithieux
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, U1213, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Fabienne Rajas
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, U1213, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana C J Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike H Oosterveer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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6
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Godfrey J, Riscal R, Skuli N, Simon MC. Glucagon signaling via supraphysiologic GCGR can reduce cell viability without stimulating gluconeogenic gene expression in liver cancer cells. Cancer Metab 2022; 10:4. [PMID: 35123542 PMCID: PMC8817478 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-022-00280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Deregulated glucose metabolism is a critical component of cancer growth and survival, clinically evident via FDG-PET imaging of enhanced glucose uptake in tumor nodules. Tumor cells utilize glucose in a variety of interconnected biochemical pathways to generate energy, anabolic precursors, and other metabolites necessary for growth. Glucagon-stimulated gluconeogenesis opposes glycolysis, potentially representing a pathway-specific strategy for targeting glucose metabolism in tumor cells. Here, we test the hypothesis of whether glucagon signaling can activate gluconeogenesis to reduce tumor proliferation in models of liver cancer.
Methods
The glucagon receptor, GCGR, was overexpressed in liver cancer cell lines consisting of a range of etiologies and genetic backgrounds. Glucagon signaling transduction was measured by cAMP ELISAs, western blots of phosphorylated PKA substrates, and qPCRs of relative mRNA expression of multiple gluconeogenic enzymes. Lastly, cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed to quantify the biological effect of glucagon/GCGR stimulation.
Results
Signaling analyses in SNU398 GCGR cells treated with glucagon revealed an increase in cAMP abundance and phosphorylation of downstream PKA substrates, including CREB. qPCR data indicated that none of the three major gluconeogenic genes, G6PC, FBP1, or PCK1, exhibit significantly higher mRNA levels in SNU398 GCGR cells when treated with glucagon; however, this could be partially increased with epigenetic inhibitors. In glucagon-treated SNU398 GCGR cells, flow cytometry analyses of apoptotic markers and growth assays reproducibly measured statistically significant reductions in cell viability. Finally, proliferation experiments employing siCREB inhibition showed no reversal of cell death in SNU398 GCGR cells treated with glucagon, indicating the effects of glucagon in this setting are independent of CREB.
Conclusions
For the first time, we report a potential tumor suppressive role for glucagon/GCGR in liver cancer. Specifically, we identified a novel cell line-specific phenotype, whereby glucagon signaling can induce apoptosis via an undetermined mechanism. Future studies should explore the potential effects of glucagon in diabetic liver cancer patients.
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7
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Nuernberger V, Mortoga S, Metzendorf C, Burkert C, Ehricke K, Knuth E, Zimmer J, Singer S, Nath N, Karim M, Yasser M, Calvisi DF, Dombrowski F, Ribback S. Hormonally Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Diabetic Wild Type and Carbohydrate Responsive Element Binding Protein Knockout Mice. Cells 2021; 10:2787. [PMID: 34685767 PMCID: PMC8534692 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the rat, the pancreatic islet transplantation model is an established method to induce hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), due to insulin-mediated metabolic and molecular alterations like increased glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis and the oncogenic AKT/mTOR pathway including upregulation of the transcription factor Carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP). ChREBP could therefore represent an essential oncogenic co-factor during hormonally induced hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS Pancreatic islet transplantation was implemented in diabetic C57Bl/6J (wild type, WT) and ChREBP-knockout (KO) mice for 6 and 12 months. Liver tissue was examined using histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and Western blot analysis. Finally, we performed NGS-based transcriptome analysis between WT and KO liver tumor tissues. RESULTS Three hepatocellular carcinomas were detectable after 6 and 12 months in diabetic transplanted WT mice, but only one in a KO mouse after 12 months. Pre-neoplastic clear cell foci (CCF) were also present in liver acini downstream of the islets in WT and KO mice. In KO tumors, glycolysis, de novo lipogenesis and AKT/mTOR signalling were strongly downregulated compared to WT lesions. Extrafocal liver tissue of diabetic, transplanted KO mice revealed less glycogen storage and proliferative activity than WT mice. From transcriptome analysis, we identified a set of transcripts pertaining to metabolic, oncogenic and immunogenic pathways that are differentially expressed between tumors of WT and KO mice. Of 315 metabolism-associated genes, we observed 199 genes that displayed upregulation in the tumor of WT mice, whereas 116 transcripts showed their downregulated expression in KO mice tumor. CONCLUSIONS The pancreatic islet transplantation model is a suitable method to study hormonally induced hepatocarcinogenesis also in mice, allowing combination with gene knockout models. Our data indicate that deletion of ChREBP delays insulin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting a combined oncogenic and lipogenic function of ChREBP along AKT/mTOR-mediated proliferation of hepatocytes and induction of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Carcinogenesis/metabolism
- Carcinogenesis/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/ultrastructure
- Cell Proliferation
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Glycogen/metabolism
- Glycolysis
- Hormones/adverse effects
- Lipogenesis
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/ultrastructure
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Nuernberger
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Sharif Mortoga
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Christoph Metzendorf
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75108 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christian Burkert
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Katrina Ehricke
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Elisa Knuth
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Jenny Zimmer
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Stephan Singer
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Neetika Nath
- Institut fuer Bioinformatik, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Majedul Karim
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Mohd Yasser
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut fuer Pathologie, Universitaetsmedizin Greifswald, Friedrich-Loeffler-Str. 23e, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (V.N.); (S.M.); (C.M.); (C.B.); (K.E.); (E.K.); (J.Z.); (S.S.); (M.K.); (M.Y.); (F.D.)
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8
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[Preneoplastic glycogenotic lesions of the liver and kidney : Metabolic and molecular alterations in preneoplastic clear cell lesions of the liver and the kidney in experimental and human carcinogenesis]. DER PATHOLOGE 2020; 41:83-90. [PMID: 33346873 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-020-00879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The focus of these five studies was on human clear cell, glycogen-storing lesions of the liver and kidney, which pertain to preneoplastic lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma in animal models of diabetes-associated carcinogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Noncirrhotic hepatic and renal tissue of humans, rats, and mice were analyzed with histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular biologic methods. RESULTS In humans, clear cell lesions often occur in noncirrhotic liver and renal tissue. They resemble preneoplastic lesions of experimental hepato- and nephrocarcinogenesis regarding glycogen storage, increased proliferative activity, upregulation of glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis (lipogenic phenotype), and activated protooncogenic signaling pathway of AKT/mTOR. In two models of murine hepatocarcinogenesis, the important role of the transcription factor ChREBP as a "metabolic oncogene" was characterized. CONCLUSION In these studies, the significance of small glycogen storing parenchymal alterations for carcinogenesis in human noncirrhotic liver and kidney was demonstrated due to their already present metabolic and molecular alterations. Therefore, they have to represent indicator lesions for an increased risk of carcinogenesis. Activation of the protooncogenic pathway AKT/mTOR as well as the transcription factor ChREBP and the manifestation of the lipogenic phenotype are crucial during the processes of carcinogenesis.
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Lei Y, Zhou S, Hu Q, Chen X, Gu J. Carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) correlates with colon cancer progression and contributes to cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4233. [PMID: 32144313 PMCID: PMC7060312 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are characterized by reprogrammed glucose metabolisms to fuel cell growth and proliferation. Carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) is a glucose-mediated transcription factor that strongly regulates glycolytic and lipogenic pathways. It has been shown to associate with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, how it associates with cancers has not been well understood. In this study, ChREBP expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in colon tissue arrays containing normal colon tissue and cancer tissue at different clinical stages. Tissue mRNA levels of ChREBP were also measured in a cohort of colon cancer patients. We found that ChREBP mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in colon cancer tissue compared to healthy colon (p < 0.001), and their expression was positively correlated to colon malignancy (for mRNA, p = 0.002; for protein p < 0.001). Expression of lipogenic genes (ELOVL6 and SCD1) in colon cancer was also positively associated with colon malignancy (for both genes, p < 0.001). In vitro, ChREBP knockdown with siRNA transfection inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest without changes in apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines (HT29, DLD1 and SW480). Glycolytic and lipogenic pathways were inhibited but the p53 pathway was activated after ChREBP knockdown. Taken together, ChREBP expression is associated with colon malignancy and it might contribute to cell proliferation via promoting anabolic pathways and inhibiting p53. In addition, ChREBP might represent a novel clinical useful biomarker to evaluate the malignancy of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lei
- Department of Pathology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Collaborative and Creative Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu Jinjiang Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, 66 Jingxiu Road, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Shuling Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Collaborative and Creative Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu Jinjiang Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, 66 Jingxiu Road, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Qiaoling Hu
- Department of Pathology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Collaborative and Creative Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueling Chen
- Department of Pathology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Collaborative and Creative Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang Gu
- Department of Pathology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, Collaborative and Creative Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu Jinjiang Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, 66 Jingxiu Road, Chengdu, 610066, China.
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Jin XY, Chen H, Li DD, Li AL, Wang WY, Gu W. Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation of novel quinoline derivatives of ursolic acid with hydrazide, oxadiazole, and thiadiazole moieties as potent MEK inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:955-972. [PMID: 31072147 PMCID: PMC6522941 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1605364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, a series of novel quinoline derivatives of ursolic acid (UA) bearing hydrazide, oxadiazole, or thiadiazole moieties were designed, synthesised, and screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against three cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HeLa, and SMMC-7721). A number of compounds showed significant activity against at least one cell line. Among them, compound 4d exhibited the most potent activity against three cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 0.12 ± 0.01, 0.08 ± 0.01, and 0.34 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. In particular, compound 4d could induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells, arrest cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and decrease mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, compound 4d could significantly inhibit MEK1 kinase activity and impede Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK transduction pathway. Therefore, compound 4d may be a potential anticancer agent and a promising lead worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Jin
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Dong-Dong Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - A-Liang Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Wen-Yan Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Wen Gu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, PR China
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Rajas F, Gautier-Stein A, Mithieux G. Glucose-6 Phosphate, A Central Hub for Liver Carbohydrate Metabolism. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9120282. [PMID: 31756997 PMCID: PMC6950410 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9120282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells efficiently adjust their metabolism according to the abundance of nutrients and energy. The ability to switch cellular metabolism between anabolic and catabolic processes is critical for cell growth. Glucose-6 phosphate is the first intermediate of glucose metabolism and plays a central role in the energy metabolism of the liver. It acts as a hub to metabolically connect glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycogen synthesis, de novo lipogenesis, and the hexosamine pathway. In this review, we describe the metabolic fate of glucose-6 phosphate in a healthy liver and the metabolic reprogramming occurring in two pathologies characterized by a deregulation of glucose homeostasis, namely type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by fasting hyperglycemia; and glycogen storage disease type I, where patients develop severe hypoglycemia during short fasting periods. In these two conditions, dysfunction of glucose metabolism results in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which may possibly lead to the development of hepatic tumors. Moreover, we also emphasize the role of the transcription factor carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP), known to link glucose and lipid metabolisms. In this regard, comparing these two metabolic diseases is a fruitful approach to better understand the key role of glucose-6 phosphate in liver metabolism in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Rajas
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1213, F-69008 Lyon, France; (A.G.-S.); (G.M.)
- Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Amandine Gautier-Stein
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1213, F-69008 Lyon, France; (A.G.-S.); (G.M.)
- Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Gilles Mithieux
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1213, F-69008 Lyon, France; (A.G.-S.); (G.M.)
- Université de Lyon, F-69008 Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
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