Cell survival, activation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells: modulation by extracellular matrix proteins

Selonsertib Inhibits Liver Fibrosis via Downregulation of ASK1/ MAPK Pathway of Hepatic Stellate Cells

Liver fibrosis constitutes a significant health problem worldwide due to its rapidly increasing prevalence and the absence of specific and effective treatments. Growing evidence suggests that apoptosis-signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is activated in oxidative stress, which causes hepatic inflammation and apoptosis, leading to liver fibrogenesis through a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) downstream signals. In this study, we investigated whether selonsertib, a selective inhibitor of ASK1, shows therapeutic efficacy for liver fibrosis, and elucidated its mechanism of action in vivo and in vitro. As a result, selonsertib strongly suppressed the growth and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and induced apoptosis by increasing Annexin V and TUNEL-positive cells. We also observed that selonsertib inhibited the ASK1/MAPK pathway, including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in HSCs. Interestingly, dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis was significantly alleviated by selonsertib treatment in rats. Furthermore, selonsertib reduced collagen deposition and the expression of extracellular components such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and collagen type I in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, selonsertib suppressed fibrotic response such as HSC proliferation and extracellular matrix components by blocking the ASK1/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we suggest that selonsertib may be an effective therapeutic drug for ameliorating liver fibrosis.

Etoposide Induces Apoptosis in Activated Human Hepatic Stellate Cells via ER Stress

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a vital role in the progression of liver fibrosis, and the induction of HSCs apoptosis may attenuate or reverse fibrogenesis. The therapeutic effects of etoposide(VP-16), a widely used anticancer agent, on HSCs apoptosis and liver fibrosis resolution are still unclear. Here, we report that VP-16 reduced the proliferation of LX-2 cells and led to significantly high levels of apoptosis, as indicated by Annexin V staining and the proteolytic cleavage of the executioner caspase-3 and PARP. Additionally, the unfolded protein response regulators CHOP, BIP, caspase-12, p-eIF2α and IRE1α, which are considered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, were upregulated by VP-16. The strong inhibitory effect of VP-16 on LX-2 cells was mainly dependent on ER stress, which activated JNK signaling pathway. Remarkably, VP-16 treatment decreased the expression of α-SMA and type I collagen and simultaneously increased the ratio of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In contrast, VP-16 induced significantly more apoptosis in HSCs than in normal hepatocytes. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that VP-16 exerts a proapoptotic effect on LX-2 cells and has an antifibrogenic effect on collagen deposition, suggesting a new strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

MicroRNA-19b reduces hepatic stellate cell proliferation by targeting GRB2 in hepatic fibrosis models in vivo and in vitro as part of the inhibitory effect of estradiol

Estradiol (E2) is a major determinant of gender-based differences in the development of hepatic fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous 19-25 nucleotide, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression by blocking the translation or decreasing the stability of mRNAs and play an important role in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of miRNAs by E2 remain largely unknown. In this study, miR-19b levels were higher and were associated with lower GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in female rats more than in male rats. We also showed that miR-19b levels were down-regulated, were associated with the up-regulation of GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in PS (porcine serum-induced hepatic fibrosis) versus NS (normal control) groups and were up-regulated when associated with the down-regulation of GRB2 mRNA and protein levels in PS + E2 versus PS and in aHSC + E2 (estradiol treated aHSC) versus aHSC groups. MiR-19b expression inhibited cell proliferation in aHSCs, and also down-regulated GRB2 protein expression. The overexpression of miR-19b inhibited cell growth and suppressed COL1A1 protein levels by decreasing the levels of GRB2. However, the forced expression of GRB2 partly rescued the effect of miR-19b in the cells, attenuated cell proliferation, and suppressed the GRB2 protein level by up-regulating the levels of GRB2. Taken together, these findings will shed light on the role of miR-19b in regulating aHSC proliferation via the miR-19b/GRB2 axis. This newly identified miR-19b/GRB2 interaction provided novel insights into the suppressive effect of E2 on HSC proliferation and might facilitate the development of therapies targeting hepatic fibrosis.

Cytoglobin expression in the hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 is regulated by extracellular matrix proteins dependent on FAK-signalling

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis is a physiological response to cellular injury in the liver and is mediated by the activation of hepatic stellate cells resulting in the replacement of hepatocytes with extracellular matrix comprised principally of collagen 1 to form a hepatic scar. Although the novel hexaco-ordinated globin cytoglobin was identified in activated hepatic stellate cells more than 10 years ago, its role in stellate cell biology and liver fibrosis remains enigmatic.

RESULTS

In the current study, we investigated the role of different extracellular matrix proteins in stellate cell proliferation, activation (alpha smooth muscle actin expression and retinoic acid uptake) and cytoglobin expression. Our results demonstrate that cytoglobin expression is correlated with a more quiescent phenotype of stellate cells in culture and that cytoglobin is regulated by the extracellular matrix through integrin signalling dependent on activation of focal adhesion kinase.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are required, we provide evidence that cytoglobin is a negative regulator of stellate cell activation and therefore may represent a novel target for anti-fibrotic treatments in the future.

Endocytosis of collagen by hepatic stellate cells regulates extracellular matrix dynamics

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) generate matrix, which in turn may also regulate HSCs function during liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that HSCs may endocytose matrix proteins to sense and respond to changes in microenvironment. Primary human HSCs, LX2, or mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) [wild-type; c-abl(-/-); or Yes, Src, and Fyn knockout mice (YSF(-/-))] were incubated with fluorescent-labeled collagen or gelatin. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and confocal microscopy were used for measuring cellular internalization of matrix proteins. Targeted PCR array and quantitative real-time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression changes. HSCs and LX2 cells endocytose collagens in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Endocytosed collagen colocalized with Dextran 10K, a marker of macropinocytosis, and 5-ethylisopropyl amiloride, an inhibitor of macropinocytosis, reduced collagen internalization by 46%. Cytochalasin D and ML7 blocked collagen internalization by 47% and 45%, respectively, indicating that actin and myosin are critical for collagen endocytosis. Wortmannin and AKT inhibitor blocked collagen internalization by 70% and 89%, respectively, indicating that matrix macropinocytosis requires phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. Overexpression of dominant-negative dynamin-2 K44A blocked matrix internalization by 77%, indicating a role for dynamin-2 in matrix macropinocytosis. Whereas c-abl(-/-) MEF showed impaired matrix endocytosis, YSF(-/-) MEF surprisingly showed increased matrix endocytosis. It was also associated with complex gene regulations that related with matrix dynamics, including increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) mRNA levels and zymographic activity. HSCs endocytose matrix proteins through macropinocytosis that requires a signaling network composed of PI3K/AKT, dynamin-2, and c-abl. Interaction with extracellular matrix regulates matrix dynamics through modulating multiple gene expressions including MMP-9.

Increased SSeCKS expression in rat hepatic stellate cells upon activation in vitro and in vivo

Recent reports suggest that src suppressed c kinase substrates (SSeCKS) are early inflammatory response protein. However, there is only scarce knowledge on the functional role of SSeCKS in liver under conditions of acute inflammation. In the present study, we investigated SSeCKS expression in liver after administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and in isolated primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) upon activation on a plastic dish. We found that SSeCKS mRNA was hardly detectable in healthy liver tissue and further increased in carbon tetrachloride-mediated acute liver failure. SSeCKS protein expression was mainly found in hepatic stellate cells. In vitro, SSeCKS expression in activated rat HSCs was dramatically increased. The upregulation of SSeCKS protein expression in rat HSCs during activation in vitro and in vivo suggested the possibility of SSeCKS, an important part of function of the activated HSCs, perhaps through modulation of liver regeneration or formation of liver fibrosis after various injuries.

F‑actin cytoskeleton reorganization is associated with hepatic stellate cell activation

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is involved in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have indicated that the acquisition of certain properties by activated HSCs is highly dependent on the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. However, direct evidence showing that the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is responsible for HSC activation is lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cytoskeletal reorganization during HSC activation and to clarify the underlying mechanism. HSC-T6 cells were treated either with the F-actin stabilizer jasplakinolide (Jas) or the depolymerizer cytochalasin D (Cyto D). The actin cytoskeleton was evaluated via assessment of stress fiber formation. Furthermore, the activation properties of HSCs, including proliferation, adhesion, migration and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1, were investigated in vitro. The results showed that Jas and Cyto D affected the actin distribution in HSC-T6 cells. Treatment with Jas resulted in thick actin bundles and a patchy appearance in the cytoplasm in HSC-T6 cells. In parallel, polymerization of actin microfilaments induced by Jas upregulated the expression of α-SMA and collagen 1, and also enhanced the migration and adhesion properties of HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, the activation of HSC-T6 cells induced by the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton was associated with the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton is associated with HSC activation and that the p38 MAPK pathway is involved in this process. The inhibition of F-actin reorganization may thus be a potential key factor or molecular target for the control of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Specific roles of Akt iso forms in apoptosis and axon growth regulation in neurons

Akt is a member of the AGC kinase family and consists of three isoforms. As one of the major regulators of the class I PI3 kinase pathway, it has a key role in the control of cell metabolism, growth, and survival. Although it has been extensively studied in the nervous system, we have only a faint knowledge of the specific role of each isoform in differentiated neurons. Here, we have used both cortical and hippocampal neuronal cultures to analyse their function. We characterized the expression and function of Akt isoforms, and some of their substrates along different stages of neuronal development using a specific shRNA approach to elucidate the involvement of each isoform in neuron viability, axon development, and cell signalling. Our results suggest that three Akt isoforms show substantial compensation in many processes. However, the disruption of Akt2 and Akt3 significantly reduced neuron viability and axon length. These changes correlated with a tendency to increase in active caspase 3 and a decrease in the phosphorylation of some elements of the mTORC1 pathway. Indeed, the decrease of Akt2 and more evident the inhibition of Akt3 reduced the expression and phosphorylation of S6. All these data indicate that Akt2 and Akt3 specifically regulate some aspects of apoptosis and cell growth in cultured neurons and may contribute to the understanding of mechanisms of neuron death and pathologies that show deregulated growth.

Differential response of arterial and venous endothelial cells to extracellular matrix is modulated by oxygen

Binding of endothelial cell (EC) integrins to extracellular-matrix (ECM) components is one of the key events to trigger intracellular signaling that will ultimately result in proper vascular development. Even within one tissue, the endothelial phenotype differs between arteries and veins. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anchorage dependent processes, such as proliferation, viability, survival and actin organization of venous (VEC) and arterial EC (AEC) differently depend on ECM proteins. Moreover,because of different oxygen tension in AEC and VEC, we tested oxygen as a co-modulator of ECM effects. Primary human placental VEC and AEC were grown in collagens I and IV, fibronectin, laminin, gelatin and uncoated plates and exposed to 12 and 21% oxygen. Our main findings revealed that VEC are more sensitive than AEC to changes in the ECM composition. Proliferation and survival of VEC, in contrast to AEC, were profoundly increased by the presence of collagen I and fibronectin when compared with gelatin or uncoated plates. These effects were reversed by inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (Fak) and modulated by oxygen. VEC were more susceptible to the oxygen dependent ECM effects than AEC. However, no differential ECM effect on actin organization was observed between the two cell types. These data provide first evidence that AEC and VEC from the same vascular loop respond differently to ECM and oxygen in a Fak-dependent manner.

Curcumin and cancer cells: how many ways can curry kill tumor cells selectively?

Cancer is a hyperproliferative disorder that is usually treated by chemotherapeutic agents that are toxic not only to tumor cells but also to normal cells, so these agents produce major side effects. In addition, these agents are highly expensive and thus not affordable for most. Moreover, such agents cannot be used for cancer prevention. Traditional medicines are generally free of the deleterious side effects and usually inexpensive. Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), is one such agent that is safe, affordable, and efficacious. How curcumin kills tumor cells is the focus of this review. We show that curcumin modulates growth of tumor cells through regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways including cell proliferation pathway (cyclin D1, c-myc), cell survival pathway (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cFLIP, XIAP, c-IAP1), caspase activation pathway (caspase-8, 3, 9), tumor suppressor pathway (p53, p21) death receptor pathway (DR4, DR5), mitochondrial pathways, and protein kinase pathway (JNK, Akt, and AMPK). How curcumin selectively kills tumor cells, and not normal cells, is also described in detail.

Expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in hepatic fibrosis and its correlation with collagen type I and III

AIM: To investigate the expression of ERK during the development of hepatic fibrosis and the correlation of ERK and I, III collagens.

METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of DMN. Rats were killed for study at the end of first, second, third weeks and the clinical operative liver samples were collected. The development expression and location of the ERK in the hepatic tissue and the correlation of ERK with collagen I, III were assessed by means of immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The expression of ERK was increased and was closely correlated with that of collagen I and III during the development of rat fibrosis at every time point (1 wk: r = 0.75, 0.68, P < 0.05; 2 wk: r = 0.82, 0.78, P < 0.05; 3 wk: r = 0.74, 0.83, P < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of ERK was enhanced in human fibrotic tissues (1.068 ± 0.258 vs 0.035 ± 0.011, P < 0.05), which was correlated with that of collagen I and III (r = 0.87, 0.88, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The ERK signal pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.