Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Development, Homeostasis, and Pathobiology

Mechanical force-driven cell competition ensures robust morphogen gradient formation

Morphogen gradients provide positional data and maintain tissue patterns by instructing cells to adopt distinct fates. In contrast, morphogen gradient-forming tissues undergo dynamic morphogenetic movements that generate mechanical forces and can disturb morphogen signal transduction. However, the interactions between morphogen gradients and these forces remain largely unknown. In this study, we described how mechanical force-mediated cell competition corrects noisy morphogen gradients to ensure robust tissue patterns. The Wnt/β-catenin morphogen gradient-that patterns the embryonic anterior-posterior axis-generates cadherin-actomyosin interaction-mediated intercellular tension gradients-termed mechano-gradients. Naturally generated unfit cells that produce noisy Wnt/β-catenin gradients induce local deformation of the mechano-gradients. Neighboring fit cells sense this deformation, resulting in the activation of Piezo family mechanosensitive calcium channels and secretion of annexinA1, which specifically kills unfit cells to recover morphogen gradients. Therefore, mechanical force-mediated cell competition between the morphogen-receiver cells supports robust gradient formation. Additionally, we discuss the potential roles of mechanical force-driven cell competition in other contexts, including organogenesis and cancer.

Safranal-loaded gold nanoparticles alleviate hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is frequently activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); thus, it is considered a potential target for novel therapies. Safranal (SAF), a natural product, is reputed for its antitumor and antioxidant activities. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties, they can carry and transport drugs to the tumor as they can passively accumulate within the tumor. The current study aims to evaluate SAF and SAF-AuNPs antitumor effect in HCC model via targeting the Wnt pathway and to evaluate the ability of SAF-AuNPs and Doxorubicin-gold nanoparticles (DOX-AuNPs) in ameliorating DOX chemo-resistance in HCC and enhancing its therapeutic index to reduce unwanted side effects.

RESULTS

 SAF significantly attenuated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which down-regulated the proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. SAF decreased significantly Wnt-3a, β-catenin, Cyclin D1 VEGF and MMP-9. Developing SAF-AuNPs enhanced the antitumor activity of SAF against HCC. Furthermore, SAF-AuNPs enhanced DOX-AuNPs antitumor activity and lowered multi-drug resistance (MDR) protein level, which attenuates DOX chemo-resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that SAF and SAF-AuNPs are promising treatments for HCC. They have promising antitumor activity in addition to the ability to attenuate DOX chemo-resistance, so, the desired therapeutic effect may be obtained with minor doses and lowering the side effects.

Beyond the Brain: Exploring the multi-organ axes in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a complex neurodegenerative disorder, is increasingly recognized as a systemic condition involving multi-organ interactions. Emerging evidence highlights roles of organ-brain axes (lung-, liver-, heart-, muscle-, bone-, and gut-brain) in PD pathogenesis. These axes communicate via neural, circulatory, endocrine, and inflammatory pathways, collectively driving neurodegeneration. For example, lung dysfunction in PD involves respiratory impairment and inflammatory signaling, while gut dysbiosis triggers α-synuclein aggregation via the vagus nerve. Such cross-organ interactions underscore PD's systemic nature, challenging traditional brain-centric models.

AIM OF REVIEW

1. Decipher mechanisms linking peripheral organs (e.g., lung, gut) to PD via shared pathways. 2. Explore bidirectional organ-brain interactions (e.g., liver metabolism affecting neurotoxin clearance). 3. Propose multi-organ therapeutic strategies targeting integrated signaling networks. Key Scientific Concepts of Review. 1. Lung-Brain Axis: Respiratory dysfunction (motor impairment, inflammation) exacerbates neurodegeneration. 2. Liver-Brain Axis: Metabolic dysregulation alters neurotoxin clearance; drugs (e.g., levodopa) impact liver function. 3. Heart-Brain Axis: Autonomic dysfunction reduces cerebral blood flow; neuroendocrine changes promote α-synuclein pathology. 4. Muscle-Brain Axis: Neuromuscular/metabolic disruptions worsen motor symptoms. 5. Bone-Brain Axis: Bone-derived hormones (osteocalcin, OCN) and inflammation influence cognition. 6. Gut-Brain Axis: Dysbiosis drives α-synuclein misfolding; gut metabolites modulate neuroinflammation. Integrated Mechanisms: Shared pathways (neuroinflammation, oxidative stress) create a regulatory network, suggesting therapies targeting multi-organ crosstalk (e.g., probiotics, anti-inflammatory agents).

Spatial hepatocyte plasticity of gluconeogenesis during the metabolic transitions between fed, fasted and starvation states

Hepatocytes are organized along a spatial axis between the portal triad and the central vein to form functionally repetitive units known as lobules. The hepatocytes perform distinct metabolic functions depending on their location within the lobule. Single-cell analysis of hepatocytes across the liver lobule demonstrates that gluconeogenic gene expression is relatively low in the fed state and gradually increases in the periportal hepatocytes during the initial fasting period. As fasting progresses, pericentral hepatocyte gluconeogenic gene expression and gluconeogenic activity also increase and, following entry into a starvation state, the pericentral hepatocytes show similar gluconeogenic gene expression and activity to the periportal hepatocytes. In parallel, starvation suppresses canonical β-catenin signalling and modulates the expression of pericentral and periportal glutamine synthetase and glutaminase, respectively, resulting in enhanced incorporation of glutamine into glucose. Thus, hepatocyte gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production are spatially and temporally plastic across the liver lobule, underscoring the complexity of defining hepatic insulin resistance and glucose production on a whole-organ level, as well as for a particular fasted or fed condition.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and treatment advances

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a highly prevalent malignancy, poses a significant global health challenge. Its pathogenesis is intricate and multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and cirrhosis are known to significantly elevate the risk of developing HCC. The underlying biological processes driving HCC are equally complex, encompassing aberrant activation of molecular signaling pathways, dysregulation of hepatocellular differentiation and angiogenesis, and immune dysfunction. This review delves into the multifaceted nature of HCC, exploring its etiology and the intricate molecular signaling pathways involved in its development. We examine the role of immune dysregulation in HCC progression and discuss the potential of emerging therapeutic strategies, including immune-targeted therapy and tumor-associated macrophage interventions. Additionally, we explore the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers in inhibiting tumor growth. By elucidating the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCC, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease and highlight promising avenues for future research and therapeutic development.

The Diabetes Gene Tcf7l2 Organizes Gene Expression in the Liver and Regulates Amino Acid Metabolism

TCF7L2 harbors the strongest genetic association with diabetes identified thus far. However, its function in liver has remained unclear. Here, we find using mice with liver-specific deletion, that Tcf7l2 plays a central role in maintaining hepatic zonation. That is, in the normal liver, many genes show gradients of expression across the liver lobule; in the absence of Tcf7l2 , these gradients collapse. One major consequence is the disorganization of glutamine metabolism, with a loss of the glutamine production program, ectopic expression of the glutamine consumption program, and a decrease in glutamine levels. In parallel, metabolomic profiling shows glutamine to be the most significantly decreased metabolite in individuals harboring the rs7903146 variant in TCF7L2 . Taken together, these data indicate that hepatic TCF7L2 has a secondary role in glycemic control, but a primary role in maintaining transcriptional architecture and glutamine homeostasis.

Research progress on the mechanism of curcumin anti-oxidative stress based on signaling pathway

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between oxidative capacity and antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, which can result in cell senescence or death. It is closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, malignant tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound of β-diketone, which has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidative stress, anti-tumor, anti-fibrosis, and hypolipidemic, demonstrating broad research and development value. It has a wide range of biological targets and can bind to various endogenous biomolecules. Additionally, it maintains the redox balance primarily by scavenging ROS, enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and chelating metal ions. This paper systematically describes the antioxidative stress mechanisms of curcumin from the perspective of signaling pathways, focusing on the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, NOX, MAPK and other pathways. The study also discusses potential pathway targets and the complex crosstalk among these pathways, aiming to provide insights for further research on curcumin's antioxidant mechanisms and its clinical applications.

GINS1 facilitates the development of lung adenocarcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin activation

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD) is the primary reason for cancer-related deaths globally. GINS1 has a significant regulatory function in DNA replication. It is overexpressed in various malignant tumors, but the specific molecular mechanisms of GINS1 in LUAD pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. This is the first report that GINS1 enhances LUAD by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and may serve as a potential target for therapy.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis including analysis of difference, survival analysis and pathway enrichment, immunohistochemistry(IHC), western blotting(WB), and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) were used to detect GINS1 expression in LUAD cell lines and tissues. A range of in vivo and in vitro experiments, such as cck-8, EdU, cloning experiment, wound healing experiment and transwell experiment, confirmed that GINS1 facilitated the proliferation and migration of LUAD. Additionally, the potential mechanism of GINS1 was hypothesized through WB and transcriptome sequencing. The rescue experiment was used to verify our conclusion.

RESULTS

In this study, we discovered that GINS1 is significantly overexpressed in LUAD cell lines and tissues. Analysis of Kaplan - Meier survival data indicated that high levels of GINS1 expression are often linked to unfavorable survival outcomes. Additionally, a series of experiments showed that silencing GINS1 led to less proliferation and migration of LUAD cell lines, while its overexpression enhanced tumor progression. Furthermore, subcutaneous tumor experiments in nude mice supported the role of GINS1 in promoting tumor development in vivo. Lastly, transcriptome sequencing revealed that tumor progression is related to cell cycle (G1 to S phase transition associated with cyclinD) and β-catenin signaling pathway, which we subsequently validated using WB. A series of rescue experiment further confirmed that GINS1 facilitates the advancement of LUAD via the β-catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that GINS1 plays a critical role in the progression of LUAD by modulating key molecular pathways, particularly the β-catenin signaling pathway., and it might serve as a potential new target of β-catenin signaling pathway for treatment of LUAD.

Hepatic stellate cells control liver zonation, size and functions via R-spondin 3

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have a central pathogenetic role in the development of liver fibrosis. However, their fibrosis-independent and homeostatic functions remain poorly understood1-5. Here we demonstrate that genetic depletion of HSCs changes WNT activity and zonation of hepatocytes, leading to marked alterations in liver regeneration, cytochrome P450 metabolism and injury. We identify R-spondin 3 (RSPO3), an HSC-enriched modulator of WNT signalling, as responsible for these hepatocyte-regulatory effects of HSCs. HSC-selective deletion of Rspo3 phenocopies the effects of HSC depletion on hepatocyte gene expression, zonation, liver size, regeneration and cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification, and exacerbates alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. RSPO3 expression decreases with HSC activation and is inversely associated with outcomes in patients with alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. These protective and hepatocyte-regulating functions of HSCs via RSPO3 resemble the R-spondin-expressing stromal niche in other organs and should be integrated into current therapeutic concepts.

PNO1 enhances ovarian cancer cell growth, invasion, and stemness via activating the AKT/Wnt/β-catenin pathway

PNO1, a key promoter of oncogenesis, is often characterized by its aberrant expression in both colorectal and esophageal cancers, markedly accelerating their progression. Nonetheless, the role of PNO1 in ovarian cancer and its underlying mechanisms remain unexplored comprehensively. In addition to the abnormal PNO1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the clinical data examinations indicated its strong association with lower survival rates among ovarian cancer patients. Considering the crucial role of the AKT signaling pathway, we hypothesized that PNO1 might drive the progression of ovarian cancer by modulating the AKT pathway. To validate this hypothesis, experiments were conducted to silence PNO1 in ovarian cancer cells. These findings demonstrated that PNO1 silencing markedly reduced the proliferation and invasion capabilities of ovarian cancer cell lines, triggering their apoptosis. Moreover, the PNO1 suppression significantly decreased the expression levels of p-AKT, GSK-3β, and active β-catenin proteins, further confirming the regulatory correlation between PNO1 and the AKT/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The oncogenic effects mediated by the PNO1-activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway were counteracted by inhibitors of the AKT signaling pathway. Further, the subcutaneous xenograft tumor assays in vivo validated that PNO1 silencing decreased the tumorigenic potential of ovarian cancer cells. In summary, this study has elucidated that the upregulation of PNO1 modulated the tumorigenic role of the AKT/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer, offering new insights into its oncogenic function.

Highly expressed GCN1 is associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

General control non-derepressible protein 1 (GCN1), a ribosome-binding protein, has been implicated in the development and progression of multiple cancers. However, the potential role of GCN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been investigated.

METHODS

The expression of GCN1 in HCC was analyzed using multiple databases. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to investigate the correlation of GCN1 expression with clinical significance and immune infiltration in HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and in vitro experiments were conducted to study the function and potential mechanisms of GCN1 in HCC.

RESULTS

GCN1 was significantly upregulated in HCC, which was associated with worse clinicopathological features and poorer prognosis of the patients. GCN1 expression was closely associated with immune cell infiltration in HCC. GSEA analysis showed that GCN1 was involved in several tumor-related signaling pathways, including cell cycle, DNA replication, and Wnt signaling pathway. Knockdown of GCN1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells, and also down-regulated the expression levels of cell cycle protein cyclin B1 (CCNB1), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins Wnt3A and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

GCN1 overexpression was associated with HCC progression and poor prognosis, and GCN1 knockdown could suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HCC cells by regulating Wnt signaling pathway, suggesting the potential of GCN1 as a prognostic and therapeutic target for HCC.

The fundamentals of WNT10A

Human wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 10A (WNT10A) is a secreted glycoprotein that is involved in signaling pathways essential to ectodermal organogenesis and tissue regeneration. WNT10A was first linked to human disorders in 2006, demonstrating a WNT10a variant to be associated with cleft lip with/without cleft palate. Numerous publications have since then identified the importance of WNT10A in the development of ectodermal appendages and beyond. In this review, we provide information on the structure of the WNT10A gene and protein, summarize its expression patterns in different animal models and in human, and describe the identified roles in tissue and organ development and repair in the different animal model organisms. We then correlate such identified functions and working mechanisms to the pathophysiology of a spectrum of human diseases and disorders that result from germline loss-of-function mutations in WNT10A, including ectodermal dysplasia (ED) syndromes Odonto-oncho-dermal dysplasia (OODD), Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome (SSPS), and selective tooth agenesis, as well as pathological conditions like fibrosis and carcinogenesis that can be correlated with increased WNT10A activity (Section 5).

Apolipoprotein E: A Potential Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is one of the strongest genetic determinants of the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may also increase the risk of cancer. However, its importance goes far beyond this. The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the potential role and prognostic value of APOE in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using bioinformatics and multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC).

Methods

Clinicopathologic samples from 90 hCC patients enrolled between April 2007 and June 2012 were included in this study. Researchers used tissue microarrays (HLiv180Su09) and multiple fluorescent immunohistochemical analyses to validate APOE protein expression and patient prognosis. Several online databases were used to investigate APOE expression and prognosis in HCC, followed by a comprehensive analysis of correlations between APOE and clinicopathologic features, immune cell infiltration levels, immune checkpoint genes, mutations, and functional enrichment analysis. The distribution of APOE in immune cell populations was also determined using a single-cell database.

Results

APOE mRNA was significantly overexpressed in HCC at both transcriptional and translational levels. Survival analysis suggested that APOE might be a favorable prognostic indicator for HCC patients. In addition to its involvement in immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, genetic variation, immunomodulatory genes, and methylation alterations in HCC, enrichment analysis showed that APOE was involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways.

Conclusion

This study comprehensively examines the critical role of APOE in HCC and highlights its significant potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. This finding not only paves the way for new avenues of research in HCC, but also provides valuable insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Molecular mechanisms in liver repair and regeneration: from physiology to therapeutics

Liver repair and regeneration are crucial physiological responses to hepatic injury and are orchestrated through intricate cellular and molecular networks. This review systematically delineates advancements in the field, emphasizing the essential roles played by diverse liver cell types. Their coordinated actions, supported by complex crosstalk within the liver microenvironment, are pivotal to enhancing regenerative outcomes. Recent molecular investigations have elucidated key signaling pathways involved in liver injury and regeneration. Viewed through the lens of metabolic reprogramming, these pathways highlight how shifts in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism support the cellular functions essential for liver repair and regeneration. An analysis of regenerative variability across pathological states reveals how disease conditions influence these dynamics, guiding the development of novel therapeutic strategies and advanced techniques to enhance liver repair and regeneration. Bridging laboratory findings with practical applications, recent clinical trials highlight the potential of optimizing liver regeneration strategies. These trials offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of novel therapies and underscore significant progress in translational research. In conclusion, this review intricately links molecular insights to therapeutic frontiers, systematically charting the trajectory from fundamental physiological mechanisms to innovative clinical applications in liver repair and regeneration.

Clinical Significance of Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Short Chain and Its Anti-tumor Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) emphasizes metabolic disorders. HCC patients showed abnormally low expression of Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase short chain (ACADS).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance and mechanistic role of ACADS in HCC.

METHODS

We investigated the expression patterns and significance of ACADS in HCC by analyzing multiple public databases and clinical samples (Chip data). Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the expression levels of ACADS in HCC tissues. In vitro experiments involved silencing or overexpressing ACADS in HCC cell lines, with protein expression levels determined by Western blotting. Functional validation included CCK-8, Transwell, and scratch wound healing assays. TOPFlash and FOPFlash reporter gene assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were used to explore the interaction between ACADS and β-catenin.

RESULTS

ACADS was low expressed in HCC and was clinically associated with vascular invasion, TNM stage, and AFP levels. The low ACADS expression in HCC patients was negatively correlated with their survival. Overexpression of ACADS significantly suppressed the viability, migration, and invasive capacity of HCC cells, whereas silencing ACADS had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that there was an interaction between ACADS and β-catenin. Overexpression of ACADS inhibited β-catenin activity and resulted in decreased nuclear β-catenin translocation and increased its cytoplasmic level. Immunofluorescence results also showed a decrease in β-catenin nuclear import following ACADS overexpression, whereas silencing ACADS led to an enhancement of its nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

ACADS emerges as a potentially valuable biomarker for HCC prognosis, exhibiting tumor-suppressive functions in HCC by participating in the regulation of β-catenin activity.

P2Y14R activation facilitates liver regeneration via CREB/DNMT3b/Dact-2/β-Catenin signals in acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is lack of broadly approved therapeutic strategy except liver transplantation. As a glycogen metabolic intermediate, UDP-glucose (UDP-G) has been considered to accelerate liver repairment. Nevertheless, the role of UDP-G and its receptor P2Y purinoceptor 14 (P2Y14R) in ALF remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of UDP-G/P2Y14R axis in ALF. In this study, hepatic P2Y14R is significantly increased in TAA-induced and partial hepatectomy-induced ALF, while knockout of whole-body P2Y14R aggravates liver failure, manifested by inhibiting β-Catenin-mediated liver regeneration. Consistently, P2Y14R deficiency exhibits impaired liver regeneration in mice suffer partial hepatectomy. Importantly, only hepatocellular specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Alb cre/+ ) mice shows a similar phenomenon, rather than stellate cell specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Lrat cre/+ ) mice. Mechanistically, P2Y14R induction regulates methylation of Dact-2 through CREB/DNMT3b signals in hepatocytes, subsequently inhibiting the expression of Dact-2 which is a stabilizer of β-Catenin degradation complex, leading to the activation of β-Catenin -mediated liver regeneration. Interestingly, the administration of exogenous UDP-G can accelerate liver regeneration and liver function recovery after partial hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma mice. Together, the findings propose an unrecognized role of P2Y14R in ALF and provide an effective adjuvant strategy for treatment of ALF.

Advances and challenges in molecular understanding, early detection, and targeted treatment of liver cancer

In this review, we explore the application of next-generation sequencing in liver cancer research, highlighting its potential in modern oncology. Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is driven by a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Key genetic alterations, such as mutations in TERT, TP53, and CTNNB1, alongside epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone remodeling, disrupt regulatory pathways and promote tumorigenesis. Environmental factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, enhance hepatocarcinogenesis. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in liver cancer progression and therapy resistance, with immune cell infiltration, fibrosis, and angiogenesis supporting cancer cell survival. Advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies have shown potential, but the unique immunosuppressive milieu in liver cancer presents challenges. Dysregulation in pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin underscores the need for targeted therapeutic strategies. Next-generation sequencing is accelerating the identification of genetic and epigenetic alterations, enabling more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms is essential for advancing early detection and developing effective therapies against liver cancer.

CXCL14 in prostate cancer: complex interactions in the tumor microenvironment and future prospects

CXCL14 is a highly conserved chemokine expressed in various cell types, playing crucial roles in both physiological and pathological processes, including immune regulation and tumorigenesis. Recently, the role of CXCL14 in tumors has attracted considerable attention. However, previous pan-cancer studies have reported inconsistencies regarding the effects of CXCL14 on tumors, particularly concerning its expression levels in tumor tissues and its influence on various phenotypes of cancer cells. This variability is believed to stem from the context-dependent nature of CXCL14, as different sources of CXCL14 and its secretion within distinct tumor microenvironments may mediate diverse biological effects. Such phenomena have also been observed in prostate cancer research. Despite a foundational understanding of CXCL14 in prostate cancer, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the specific roles of this chemokine and systematically analyzing the reasons behind its complex effects. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the role of CXCL14 in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer and explore future research directions and potential applications.

IL-33 aggravates extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma aggressiveness and angiogenesis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is an extremely aggressive form of lymphoma and lacks of specific diagnostic markers. The study intended to unearth the role of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in ENKTCL. RT-qPCR was conducted to assess mRNA levels of ENKTCL tissues and cells, while western blot assay was performed for evaluating protein levels. Plate cloning experiment and transwell assay were employed to measure aggressiveness of ENKTCL. Tube formation assay was executed to determine the angiogenesis ability. Mice ENKTCL xenograft model was designed to probe the impacts of IL-33 in vivo. IL-33 and suppression of tumorigenicity 2 receptor (ST2, receptor of IL-33) were enhanced in ENKTCL. IL-33 inhibition suppressed viability, migration, and invasion of ENKTCL cells. Moreover, IL-33 knockdown restricted angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin pathway associated proteins (β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1) were downregulated by loss of IL-33. However, these impacts were overturned by Wnt/β-catenin signaling agonist lithium chloride (LiCl). Additionally, IL-33 silencing exerted anti-tumor effect via Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vivo. Silencing of IL-33 inhibited ENKTCL tumorigenesis and angiogenesis by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As such, IL-33 might be a prospective treatment target for ENKTCL.

Rspo3-mediated metabolic liver zonation regulates systemic glucose metabolism and body mass in mice

The unique architecture of the liver consists of hepatic lobules, dividing the hepatic features of metabolism into 2 distinct zones, namely the pericentral and periportal zones, the spatial characteristics of which are broadly defined as metabolic zonation. R-spondin3 (Rspo3), a bioactive protein promoting the Wnt signaling pathway, regulates metabolic features especially around hepatic central veins. However, the functional impact of hepatic metabolic zonation, regulated by the Rspo3/Wnt signaling pathway, on whole-body metabolism homeostasis remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyze the local functions of Rspo3 in the liver and the remote actions of hepatic Rspo3 on other organs of the body by using murine models. Rspo3 expression analysis shows that Rspo3 expression patterns are spatiotemporally controlled in the murine liver such that it locates in the pericentral zones and converges after feeding, and the dynamics of these processes are disturbed in obesity. We find that viral-mediated induction of Rspo3 in hepatic tissue of obesity improves insulin resistance and prevents body weight gain by restoring attenuated organ insulin sensitivities, reducing adipose tissue enlargement and reversing overstimulated adaptive thermogenesis. Denervation of the hepatic vagus suppresses these remote effects, derived from hepatic Rspo3 induction, toward adipose tissues and skeletal muscle, suggesting that signals are transduced via the neuronal communication consisting of afferent vagal and efferent sympathetic nerves. Furthermore, the non-neuronal inter-organ communication up-regulating muscle lipid utilization is partially responsible for the ameliorations of both fatty liver development and reduced skeletal muscle quality in obesity. In contrast, hepatic Rspo3 suppression through Cre-LoxP-mediated recombination system exacerbates diabetes due to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, promotes fatty liver development and decreases skeletal muscle quality, resulting in obesity. Taken together, our study results reveal that modulation of hepatic Rspo3 contributes to maintaining systemic glucose metabolism and body composition via a newly identified inter-organ communication mechanism.

Sinusoidal communication in chronic liver disease

The liver sinusoid, mainly composed of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic macrophages and hepatic stellate cells, shapes the hepatic vasculature and is key to maintaining liver homeostasis and function. During chronic liver disease (CLD), the function of sinusoidal cells is impaired, being directly involved in the progression of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and main clinical complications including portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to their roles in liver diseases pathobiology, sinusoidal cells' paracrine communication or cross-talk is being studied as a mechanism of disease but also as a remarkable target for treatment. The aim of this review is to gather current knowledge of intercellular signalling in the hepatic sinusoid during the progression of liver disease. We summarise studies developed in pre-clinical models of CLD, especially emphasizing those pathways characterized in human-based clinically relevant models. Finally, we describe pharmacological treatments targeting sinusoidal communication as promising options to treat CLD and its clinical complications.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Pathobiology

The liver has a critical role in regulating host metabolism, immunity, detoxification, and homeostasis. Proper liver function is essential for host health, and dysregulation of hepatic signaling pathways can lead to the onset of disease. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an important regulator of liver homeostasis and function. Throughout life, hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to liver development and growth, metabolic zonation, and regeneration. Extensive research has demonstrated that aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling drives liver pathologies, including cancers, steatohepatitis, and cholestasis. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as it pertains to liver function and how disruptions in this pathway contribute to the onset and progression of liver diseases. Further, we discuss ongoing research that targets the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for the treatment of liver pathologies.

Assessment of the Role of miR-30a-5p on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Hair Follicle Stem Cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miR-30a-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and whether the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved.

METHODS

HFSCs derived from the vibrissa of mammary rats were obtained by enzymatic digestion, and subsequently the obtained HFSCs were treated with Lipofectamine 2000 cell transfection and divided into normal cell culture group (control), miR-30a-5p overexpression group (miR-30a-5p mimic), miR-30a-5p empty vector group (miR-NC), miR-30a-5p inhibitor group (in-miR-30a-5p), and in-miR-30a-5p empty vector group (in-miR-NC). After transfection, the cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were examined separately. In addition, the mRNA expression of β-catenin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Bcl-2) were examined.

RESULTS

The results of cell proliferation ability showed that in-miR-30a-5p group promoted cell proliferation of HFSCs relative to other groups, along with significant upregulation of gene levels of PCNA. Apoptosis analysis indicated that apoptosis rate was reduced in the in-miR-30a-5p group, and the expression of Bax was suppressed, while that of Bcl-2 was promoted. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway investigation revealed a significant increase in the levels of β-catenin in HFSCs in the in-miR-30a-5p group.

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of miR-30a-5p levels inhibited HFSCs apoptosis and simultaneously promoted proliferation, furthermore, the increased expression of β-catenin indirectly confirmed the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Roles of Cellular Neighborhoods in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involves an intricate interplay among various cell types within the liver. Unraveling the orchestration of these cells, particularly in the context of various etiologies, may hold the key to deciphering the underlying mechanisms of this complex disease. The advancement of single-cell and spatial technologies has revolutionized our ability to determine cellular neighborhoods and understand their crucial roles in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight the current research landscape on cellular neighborhoods in chronic liver disease and HCC, as well as the emerging computational approaches applicable to delineate disease-associated cellular neighborhoods, which may offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC pathogenesis and pave the way for effective disease interventions.

Unraveling the Role of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme UBE2T in Tumorigenesis: A Comprehensive Review

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 T (UBE2T) is a crucial E2 enzyme in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), playing a significant role in the ubiquitination of proteins and influencing a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and metabolism. Its overexpression has been implicated in various malignancies, such as lung adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and ovarian cancer, where it correlates strongly with disease progression. UBE2T facilitates tumorigenesis and malignant behaviors by mediating essential functions such as DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways. High levels of UBE2T expression are associated with poor survival outcomes, highlighting its potential as a molecular biomarker for cancer prognosis. Increasing evidence suggests that UBE2T acts as an oncogene and could serve as a promising therapeutic target in cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of UBE2T's structure, functions, and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer progression as well as recent developments in UBE2T-targeted inhibitors. Such insights may pave the way for novel strategies in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing our understanding of UBE2T's role in cancer biology and supporting the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Investigating the role of Wnt3a and Wnt5a as critical factors of hepatic stellate cell activation in acute toxicant-induced liver injury

Toxicant exposure can lead to acute liver injury, characterized by hepatic reprogramming and wound healing. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a key role in liver regeneration during wound healing by secreting fibrogenic factors and production of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, repetitive injury to the liver can lead to extensive scarring and liver fibrosis, indicating HSCs coordinate both regeneration and disease. Because the factors contributing to HSC reprogramming during wound healing are not fully defined, we sought to further characterize morphogenic pathways of regeneration in an acute model of toxicant-induced liver injury1. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been recently associated with progressive liver fibrosis, but its role in HSC reprogramming is not well defined. Here, we investigated the canonical role of Wnt3a/Wnt5a on β-catenin-dependent HSC transdifferentiation and find that hepatic ECM gene expression is increased and associated with Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and their transducers (Frizzled-2 and Frizzled-7) after an acute exposure of the hepatotoxin, carbon tetrachloride(CCl4). Moreover, we find exogenous Wnt3a and Wnt5a can accelerate spontaneous, culture-induced HSC activation in vitro as evidenced by increased total expression of fibrogenic factors, including Col1a1 and α-SMA. Challenge with Wnt3a induced canonical β-catenin-dependent transcription of axin2, which was attenuated by the Wnt coreceptor antagonist, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1). These data support a role for canonical Wnt signaling as an additional mechanism by which HSCs dynamically respond to liver injury during the early wound healing response. New & noteworthy. This study elucidates novel mechanisms of fibrotic gene reprogramming in the liver. Specifically, we describe that Wnts and their transducers are increased during early liver injury which are associated with early fibrogenic responses and for the first time, causally link Wnts as direct inducers of HSC activation in the liver.

Precision targeting of β-catenin induces tumor reprogramming and immunity in hepatocellular cancers

First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics revealed cellular and zonal reprogramming of CTNNB1-mutated tumors, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immune responses upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1. Moreover, LNP-CTNNB1 synergized with ICI in advanced-stage disease through orchestrating enhanced recruitment of cytotoxic T cell aggregates. Lastly, CTNNB1-mutated patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination had decreased presence of lymphoid aggregates, which were prognostic for response and survival. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations.

WNT signaling contributes to the extrahepatic bile duct proliferative response to obstruction in mice

Biliary obstruction and cholangiocyte hyperproliferation are important features of cholangiopathies affecting the large extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD). The mechanisms underlying obstruction-induced cholangiocyte proliferation in the EHBD remain poorly understood. Developmental pathways, including WNT signaling, are implicated in regulating injury responses in many tissues, including the liver. To investigate the contribution of WNT signaling to obstruction-induced cholangiocyte proliferation in the EHBD, we used complementary in vivo and in vitro models with pharmacologic interventions and transcriptomic analyses. To model obstruction, we used bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. Human and mouse biliary organoids and mouse biliary explants were used to investigate the effects of WNT activation and inhibition in vitro. We observed an upregulation of WNT ligand expression associated with increased biliary proliferation following obstruction. Cholangiocytes were identified as both WNT ligand-expressing and WNT-responsive cells. Inhibition of WNT signaling decreased cholangiocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro, while activation increased proliferation. WNT effects on cholangiocyte proliferation were β-catenin dependent, and we showed a direct effect of WNT7B on cholangiocyte growth. Our studies suggested that cholangiocyte-derived WNT ligands can activate WNT signaling to induce proliferation after obstructive injury. These findings implicate the WNT pathway in injury-induced cholangiocyte proliferation within the EHBD.

Identification of potential biomarkers from amino acid transporter in the activation of hepatic stellate cells via bioinformatics

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenesis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation has yet to be completely comprehended, and there has been broad concern about the interplay between amino acid transporter and cell proliferation. This study proposed exploring the molecular mechanism from amino acid transport-related genes in HSC activation by bioinformatic methods, seeking to identify the potentially crucial biomarkers.

METHODS

GSE68000, the mRNA expression profile dataset of activated HSC, was applied as the training dataset, and GSE67664 as the validation dataset. Differently expressed amino acid transport-related genes (DEAATGs), GO, DO, and KEGG analyses were utilized. We applied the protein-protein interaction analysis and machine learning of LASSO and random forests to identify the target genes. Moreover, single-gene GESA was executed to investigate the potential functions of target genes via the KEGG pathway terms. Then, a ceRNA network and a drug-gene interaction network were constructed. Ultimately, correlation analysis was explored between target genes and collagen alpha I (COL1A), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and immune checkpoints.

RESULTS

We identified 15 DEAATGs, whose enrichment analyses indicated that they were primarily enriched in the transport and metabolic process of amino acids. Moreover, two target genes (SLC7A5 and SLC1A5) were recognized from the PPI network and machine learning, confirmed through the validation dataset. Then single-gene GESA analysis revealed that SLC7A5 and SLC1A5 had a significant positive correlation to ECM-receptor interaction, cell cycle, and TGF-β signaling pathway and negative association with retinol metabolism conversely. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of target genes was closely correlated with the COL1A and α-SMA, as well as immune checkpoints. Additionally, 12 potential therapeutic drugs were in the drug-gene interaction network, and the ceRNA network was constructed and visualized.

CONCLUSION

SLC7A5 and SLC1A5, with their relevant molecules, could be potentially vital biomarkers for the activation of HSC.

Thiouracil and triazole conjugate induces autophagy through the downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human breast cancer cells

Autophagy is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis by breaking down unnecessary organelles and proteins within cells. Its activity varies abnormally in several diseases, including cancer, making it a potential target for therapeutic strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway significantly impacts cancer by stabilizing β-catenin protein and promoting the transcription of its target genes. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate substances targeting this signaling pathway. We designed and tested a thiouracil conjugate, discovering that TTP-8 had anti-tumor effects on human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231. Our findings showed that TTP-8 upregulated the expression of LC3 protein, a marker of autophagy in breast cancer cells, suggesting that TTP-8 might induce autophagy. Further analysis confirmed an increase in autophagy-related proteins, with consistent results obtained from flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Interestingly, the induction of LC3 expression by TTP-8 was even more pronounced in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells transfected with β-catenin siRNA. Thus, our research supports the idea that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway influences the regulation of autophagy-related proteins, thereby inducing autophagy. This suggests that TTP-8 could serve as a novel agent for treating breast cancer.

NSUN5 promotes tumorigenic phenotypes through the WNT signaling pathway and immunosuppression of CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer

NSUN5, a key member of the M5C methylation family, plays a significant role in fundamental biological processes like cell proliferation and differentiation. However, its specific function and mechanisms in gastric cancer remain insufficiently understood. Initially, we examined NSUN5's differential expression in gastric cancer versus normal tissues, along with survival trends, associated signaling pathways, and immune infiltration using the TCGA database. Subsequently, we conducted immunohistochemistry experiments to assess NSUN5 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Gain-and loss-of-function experiments were carried out to investigate NSUN5's impact on the proliferation, stemness, and migratory capabilities of gastric cancer cells, as well as the expression of vital proteins in pertinent signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate that NSUN5 is not only overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, but also positively associated with tumor stage and inversely linked with patient prognosis. NSUN5 promotes the in vitro proliferation, stemness, and migration of gastric cancer cells, and the in vivo growth of these cells, chiefly through the activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, NSUN5 appears to diminish the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer, contributing to immune evasion. In conclusion, NSUN5 functions as a proto-oncogene in the progression of gastric cancer and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.

Regulation of lipid storage and inflammation in the liver by CEACAM1

This review focuses on a special aspect of hepatic lipid storage and inflammation that occurs during nutritional excess in obesity. Mounting evidence supports that prolonged excess fatty acid (FA) uptake in the liver is strongly associated with hepatic lipid storage and inflammation and that the two processes are closely linked by a homeostatic mechanism. There is also strong evidence that bacterial lipids may enter the gut by a common mechanism with lipid absorption and that there is a set point to determine when their uptake triggers an inflammatory response in the liver. In fact, the progression from high uptake of FAs in the liver resulting in Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to the development of the more serious Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) depends on the degree of inflammation and its progression from an acute to a chronic state. Thus, MASLD/MASH implicates both excess fatty acids and progressive inflammation in the aetiology of liver disease. We start the discussion by introduction of CD36, a major player in FA and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) uptake in the duodenum, liver and adipose tissue. We will then introduce CEACAM1, a major player in the regulation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis and the inflammatory response in the liver, and its dual association with CD36 in enterocytes and hepatocytes. We conclude that CEACAM1 and CD36 together regulate lipid droplet formation and inflammation in the liver.

Yiqi Liangxue Jiedu Prescription Inhibited the Canonical Wnt Pathway to Prevent Hepatocellular Precancerous Lesions

Purpose

Yiqi Liangxue Jiedu prescription (YLJP), a Chinese medicine that is commonly used to prevent liver cancer and is authorized by a national patent (patent No. ZL202110889980.5) has a therapeutic effect on precancerous lesions; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study is aimed at determining the clinical therapeutic efficacy of YLJP in patients with precancerous liver lesions and to explore and validate its possible effector mechanism.

Patients and Methods

The 1-year incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was retrospectively analyzed in 241 patients with cirrhosis complicated by abnormal alpha-fetoprotein precancer. Network pharmacological analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were used to explore the key targets and compounds of YLJP in treating HCC. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of key proteins in tumor and cirrhotic tissues. Finally, the mechanism underlying the effects of YLJP was verified in rats with precancerous lesions.

Results

The 1-year incidence of HCC was lower in the YLJP group than in the Western medicine group. The Wnt pathway protein, CTNNB1, is a key target of YLJP in preventing and treating HCC, and the canonical Wnt pathway is the key signaling pathway and is overexpressed in human liver tumors. In vivo experiments showed that YLJP significantly inhibited the canonical Wnt pathway and reduced the abnormal differentiation of hepatic oval cells. The binding of CTNNB1 to oleanolic acid, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol was found to be stable, indicating the action of these compounds in treating HCC.

Conclusion

YLJP reduces the 1-year incidence of HCC, with its mechanism likely due to oleanolic acid, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol inhibition of the CTNNB1 activation of the β-catenin protein, which in turn regulates the Wnt signaling pathway and prevents the abnormal differentiation of hepatic oval cells into cancer cells, thus delaying the occurrence and progression of the disease.

Emerging roles and biomarker potential of WNT6 in human cancers

The WNT6 ligand is a well-known activator of the WNT signaling pathway, considered a vital player in several important physiologic processes during embryonic development and maintaining homeostasis throughout life, regulating the proliferation and differentiation of multiple stem/progenitor cell types. More recently, as it is the case for many key molecular regulators of embryonic development, dysregulation of WNT6 has been implicated in cancer development and progression in multiple studies. In this review, we overview the most significant recent findings regarding WNT6 in the context of human malignancies, exploring its influence on multiple dimensions of tumor pathophysiology and highlighting the putative underlying WNT6-associated molecular mechanisms. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of WNT6 as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker. This critical review highlights the emerging relevance of WNT6 in multiple human cancers, and its potential as a clinically-useful biomarker, addressing key unanswered questions that could lead to new opportunities in patient diagnosis, stratification, and the development of rationally-designed precision therapies.

Hepatotoxicity of N-nitrosodin-propylamine in larval zebrafish by upregulating the Wnt pathway

N-nitrosodin-propylamine is an organic compound mainly used in organic synthesis. As a typical pollutant, the accidental release of N-nitrosodin-propylamine may cause environmental pollution, especially water environment pollution. In the present study, we used the zebrafish model for the first time to evaluate the developmental toxicity of this drug in the liver. Zebrafish larvae fertilized at 72hpf showed a range of toxic responses after 72hpf exposure to the drug. These include increased mortality, delayed absorption of yolk sac nutrients, shorter body length, abnormal liver morphology, gene disruption, and altered expression of various indicators with increasing dose. Studies on the mechanism of toxicity showed that N-nitrosodin-propylamine exposure increased the level of oxidative stress, increased the level of apoptosis in hepatocytes, and up-regulated the transcriptional expression level of Wnt signaling pathway genes. Astaxanthin and IWR-1 can effectively save the liver toxicity in zebrafish caused by N-nitrosodin-propylamine. Our study showed that the drug exposure induced hepatotoxicity in zebrafish larvae through the up-regulation of Wnt signaling pathway, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Induced hepatocyte-like cells derived from adipose-derived stem cells alleviates liver injury in mice infected with Echinococcus Multilocularis

Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have the potential to differentiate into hepatic lineages, which are ideal engraftments for tissue-engineered repair. In this study, we investigated the potential of transplanted induced hepatocyte-like cells (iHEPs) in treating hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and describe an efficient three-step protocol for the generation of iHEPs in vitro from ADSCs. The expression of hepatocyte lineage markers was assessed and iHEPs function was evaluated by Periodic acid-Schiff staining. iHEPs were intravenously transplanted into mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Histopathological analysis and liver function tests were used to assess therapeutic effects. The iHEPs exhibit morphological features and a glycogen storage function similar to those of mature hepatocytes and demonstrate an upregulation in hepatic gene programs with increasing induction time. Following transplantation, iHEPs were observed surrounding the metacestode lesions in the liver parenchyma of E. multilocularis-infected mice. iHEPs transplantation effectively restored liver function and improved liver injury in the infected mice. Additionally, we observed significant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the livers of infected mice transplanted with iHEPs. Our results provide evidence that iHEPs transplantation can alleviate E. multilocularis-induced liver injury, potentially creating new avenues for treating liver injury in end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

Getting in the zone: Metabolite transport across liver zones

The liver has many functions including the regulation of nutrient and metabolite levels in the systemic circulation through efficient transport into and out of hepatocytes. To sustain these functions, hepatocytes display large functional heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is reflected by zonation of metabolic processes that take place in different zones of the liver lobule, where nutrient-rich blood enters the liver in the periportal zone and flows through the mid-zone prior to drainage by a central vein in the pericentral zone. Metabolite transport plays a pivotal role in the division of labor across liver zones, being either transport into the hepatocyte or transport between hepatocytes through the blood. Signaling pathways that regulate zonation, such as Wnt/β-catenin, have been shown to play a causal role in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression, but the (patho)physiological regulation of metabolite transport remains enigmatic. Despite the practical challenges to separately study individual liver zones, technological advancements in the recent years have greatly improved insight in spatially divided metabolite transport. This review summarizes the theories behind the regulation of zonation, diurnal rhythms and their effect on metabolic zonation, contemporary techniques used to study zonation and current technological challenges, and discusses the current view on spatial and temporal metabolite transport.

Small Molecule-Mediated Stage-Specific Reprogramming of MSCs to Hepatocyte-Like Cells and Hepatic Tissue for Liver Injury Treatment

BACKGROUND

Derivation of hepatocytes from stem cells has been established through various protocols involving growth factor (GF) and small molecule (SM) agents, among others. However, mesenchymal stem cell-based derivation of hepatocytes still remains expensive due to the use of a cocktail of growth factors, and a long duration of differentiation is needed, thus limiting its potential clinical application.

METHODS

In this study, we developed a chemically defined differentiation strategy that is exclusively based on SM and takes 14 days, while the GF-based protocol requires 23-28 days.

RESULTS

We optimized a stage-specific differentiation protocol for the differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into functional hepatocyte-like cells (dHeps) that involved four stages, i.e., definitive endoderm (DE), hepatic competence (HC), hepatic specification (HS) and hepatic differentiation and growth. We further generated hepatic tissue using human decellularized liver extracellular matrix and compared it with hepatic tissue derived from the growth factor-based protocol at the transcriptional level. dHep, upon transplantation in a rat model of acute liver injury (ALI), was capable of ameliorating liver injury in rats and improving liver function and tissue damage compared to those in the ALI model.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this is the first study in which hepatocytes and hepatic tissue were derived from MSCs utilizing a stage-specific strategy by exclusively using SM as a differentiation factor.

Engineered extracellular vesicles enable high-efficient delivery of intracellular therapeutic proteins

Developing an intracellular delivery system is of key importance in the expansion of protein-based therapeutics acting on cytosolic or nuclear targets. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been exploited as next-generation delivery modalities due to their natural role in intercellular communication and biocompatibility. However, fusion of protein of interest to a scaffold represents a widely used strategy for cargo enrichment in EVs, which could compromise the stability and functionality of cargo. Herein, we report intracellular delivery via EV-based approach (IDEA) that efficiently packages and delivers native proteins both in vitro and in vivo without the use of a scaffold. As a proof-of-concept, we applied the IDEA to deliver cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), an innate immune sensor. The results showed that cGAS-carrying EVs activated interferon signaling and elicited enhanced antitumor immunity in multiple syngeneic tumor models. Combining cGAS EVs with immune checkpoint inhibition further synergistically boosted antitumor efficacy in vivo. Mechanistically, scRNA-seq demonstrated that cGAS EVs mediated significant remodeling of intratumoral microenvironment, revealing a pivotal role of infiltrating neutrophils in the antitumor immune milieu. Collectively, IDEA, as a universal and facile strategy, can be applied to expand and advance the development of protein-based therapeutics.

COLEC10 inhibits the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing the activity of β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a crucial role in liver cancer stemness, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, but no clinically approved drugs have targeted this pathway efficiently so far. We aimed to elucidate the role of COLEC10 in HCC stemness.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) databases were employed to search for the association between COLEC10 expression and HCC stemness. Colony formation, sphere formation, side population, and limiting dilution tumor initiation assays were used to identify the regulatory role of COLEC10 overexpression in the stemness of HCC cell lines. Wnt/β-catenin reporter assay and immunoprecipitation were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

COLEC10 level was negatively correlated with HCC stemness. Elevated COLEC10 led to decreased expressions of EpCAM and AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), two common markers of liver CSCs. Overexpression of COLEC10 inhibited HCC cells from forming colonies and spheres, and reduced the side population numbers in vitro, as well as the tumorigenic capacity in vivo. Mechanically, we demonstrated that overexpression of COLEC10 suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by upregulating Wnt inhibitory factor WIF1 and reducing the level of cytoplasmic β-catenin. COLEC10 overexpression promoted the interaction of β-catenin with the component of destruction complex CK1α. In addition, KLHL22 (Kelch Like Family Member 22), a reported E3 ligase adaptor predicted to interact with CK1α, could facilitate COLEC10 monoubiquitination and degradation.

CONCLUSION

COLEC10 inhibits HCC stemness by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is a promising target for liver CSC therapy.

Utilising an in silico model to predict outcomes in senescence-driven acute liver injury

Currently liver transplantation is the only treatment option for liver disease, but organ availability cannot meet patient demand. Alternative regenerative therapies, including cell transplantation, aim to modulate the injured microenvironment from inflammation and scarring towards regeneration. The complexity of the liver injury response makes it challenging to identify suitable therapeutic targets when relying on experimental approaches alone. Therefore, we adopted a combined in vivo-in silico approach and developed an ordinary differential equation model of acute liver disease able to predict the host response to injury and potential interventions. The Mdm2fl/fl mouse model of senescence-driven liver injury was used to generate a quantitative dynamic characterisation of the key cellular players (macrophages, endothelial cells, myofibroblasts) and extra cellular matrix involved in liver injury. This was qualitatively captured by the mathematical model. The mathematical model was then used to predict injury outcomes in response to milder and more severe levels of senescence-induced liver injury and validated with experimental in vivo data. In silico experiments using the validated model were then performed to interrogate potential approaches to enhance regeneration. These predicted that increasing the rate of macrophage phenotypic switch or increasing the number of pro-regenerative macrophages in the system will accelerate the rate of senescent cell clearance and resolution. These results showcase the potential benefits of mechanistic mathematical modelling for capturing the dynamics of complex biological systems and identifying therapeutic interventions that may enhance our understanding of injury-repair mechanisms and reduce translational bottlenecks.

KRT19 is regulated by miR-642a-5p and promotes pancreatic cancer progression through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a really poor prognosis, and we urgently need to delve deeper into its molecular mechanisms. In this study, we found that KRT19 expression was significantly increased in PC tissues and cell lines and it was linked to unfavorable outcomes for patients. Overexpression of KRT19 boosted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC cells. Additionally, miR-374b-5p targets KRT19, inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (WBC), which in turn suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the progression of PC. Further experiments showed that under hypoxic conditions, HIF1α was positively correlated with KRT19, promoting its expression. The loss of miR-642a-5p and the upregulation of KRT19 induced by hypoxia can significantly favor PC progression. Plus, the increased expression of KRT19 might act as a predictive marker and potential target for PC treatment.

Life in the fastlane? A comparative analysis of gene expression profiles across annual, semi-annual, and non-annual killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae)

The Turquoise Killifish is an important vertebrate for the study of aging and age-related diseases due to its short lifespan. Within Nothobranchiidae, species possess annual, semi-annual, or non-annual life-histories. We took a comparative approach and examined gene expression profiles (QuantSeq) from 62 individuals from eleven nothobranchid species that span three life-histories. Our results show significant differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across life-histories with non-annuals and semi-annuals being most similar, and annuals being the most distinct. At finer scales, we recovered significant differences in DEGs for DNA repair genes and show that non-annual and semi-annuals share similar gene expression profiles, while annuals are distinct. Most of the GO terms enriched in annuals are related to metabolic processes. However, GO terms, including translation, protein transport, and DNA replication initiation also are enriched in annuals. Non-annuals are enriched in Notch signaling pathway genes and downregulated in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway compared to annual species, which suggests that non-annuals have stronger regulation in cellular processes. This study provides support for congruency in DEGs involved in these life-histories and provides strong evidence that a particular set of candidate genes may be worthy of study to investigate their role in the aging process.

Central role for cholangiocyte pathobiology in cholestatic liver diseases

Cholangiopathies comprise a spectrum of chronic intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tract disorders culminating in progressive cholestatic liver injury, fibrosis, and often cirrhosis and its sequela. Treatment for these diseases is limited, and collectively, they are one of the therapeutic "black boxes" in clinical hepatology. The etiopathogenesis of the cholangiopathies likely includes disease-specific mediators but also common cellular and molecular events driving disease progression (eg, cholestatic fibrogenesis, inflammation, and duct damage). The common pathways involve cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, which are central to the pathogenesis of these disorders. Current information suggests that cholangiocytes function as a signaling "hub" in biliary tract-associated injury. Herein, we review the pivotal role of cholangiocytes in cholestatic fibrogenesis, focusing on the crosstalk between cholangiocytes and portal fibroblasts and HSCs. The proclivity of these cells to undergo a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which is proinflammatory and profibrogenic, and the intrinsic intracellular activation pathways resulting in the secretion of cytokines and chemokines are reviewed. The crosstalk between cholangiocytes and cells of the innate (neutrophils and macrophages) and adaptive (T cells and B cells) immune systems is also examined in detail. The information will help consolidate information on this topic and guide further research and potential therapeutic strategies for these diseases.

Circulating tumor cells: from new biological insights to clinical practice

The primary reason for high mortality rates among cancer patients is metastasis, where tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream from the original site to other parts of the body. Recent advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the mechanisms behind the bloodborne spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). One critical process, DNA methylation, regulates gene expression and chromosome stability, thus maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body. Global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation are examples of changes in DNA methylation patterns that are pivotal to carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review first provides an overview of the various processes that contribute to the formation of CTCs, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune surveillance, and colonization. We then conduct an in-depth analysis of how modifications in DNA methylation within CTCs impact each of these critical stages during CTC dissemination. Furthermore, we explored potential clinical implications of changes in DNA methylation in CTCs for patients with cancer. By understanding these epigenetic modifications, we can gain insights into the metastatic process and identify new biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and targeted therapies. This review aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, highlighting the significance of DNA methylation in the context of cancer metastasis and offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes.

Angiocrine signaling in sinusoidal homeostasis and liver diseases

The hepatic sinusoids are composed of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which are surrounded by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and contain liver-resident macrophages called Kupffer cells, and other patrolling immune cells. All these cells communicate with each other and with hepatocytes to maintain sinusoidal homeostasis and a spectrum of hepatic functions under healthy conditions. Sinusoidal homeostasis is disrupted by metabolites, toxins, viruses, and other pathological factors, leading to liver injury, chronic liver diseases, and cirrhosis. Alterations in hepatic sinusoids are linked to fibrosis progression and portal hypertension. LSECs are crucial regulators of cellular crosstalk within their microenvironment via angiocrine signaling. This review discusses the mechanisms by which angiocrine signaling orchestrates sinusoidal homeostasis, as well as the development of liver diseases. Here, we summarise the crosstalk between LSECs, HSCs, hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and immune cells in health and disease and comment on potential novel therapeutic methods for treating liver diseases.

Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Potential for advancement

Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are highly prevalent cancers that threaten human health worldwide. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of GICs. Numerous interventions targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in GICs are currently being tested in clinical trials with promising results. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs that effectively target this pathway. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of clinical therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GICs. By integrating data from bioinformatics databases and recent literature from the past five years, we examine the heterogeneous expression and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes and proteins in GICs. Specifically, we focus on expression patterns, mutation frequencies, and clinical prognoses to understand their implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, we discuss recent clinical trial efforts targeting this pathway. Understanding the inhibitors currently under clinical investigation may help optimize foundational research and clinical strategies. We hope that elucidating the current status of precision therapeutic stratification for patients targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will guide future innovations in precision medicine for GICs.

Pirfenidone ameliorates ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury via modulation of FXR, NF-кB/TNF-α, and Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathways

Cholestasis is a hepatobiliary disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of toxic bile acids in hepatocytes, leading to cholestatic liver injury (CLI) through multiple pathogenic inflammatory pathways. Currently, there are limited therapeutic options for the management of cholestasis and associated CLI; therefore, new options are urgently needed. Pirfenidone (PF), an oral bioavailable pyridone analog, is used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PF has recently demonstrated diverse potential therapeutic activities against different pathologies. Accordingly, the present study adopted the α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI model in mice to explore the potential protective impact of PF and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. PF intervention markedly reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, LDH, total bilirubin, and total bile acids, which was accompanied by a remarkable amelioration of histopathological lesions induced by ANIT. PF also protected the mice against ANIT-induced redox imbalance in the liver, represented by reduced MDA levels and elevated GSH and SOD activities. Mechanistically, PF inhibited ANIT-induced downregulated expressions of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as well as the bile salt export pump (BSEP) and the multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) bile acid efflux channels. PF further repressed ANIT-induced NF-κB activation and TNF-α and IL-6 production. These beneficial effects were associated with its ability to dose-dependently inhibit Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Collectively, PF protects against ANIT-induced CLI in mice, demonstrating powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as an ability to oppose BA homeostasis disorder. These protective effects are primarily mediated by modulating the interplay between FXR, NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.

Hepatocyte transformation is induced by laminin γ2 monomer

Serum laminin-γ2 monomer (Lm-γ2m) is a potent predictive biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) onset in patients with hepatitis C infection who achieve a sustained virologic response with liver cirrhosis (LC) and for the onset of extrahepatic metastases in early-stage HCC. Although Lm-γ2m involvement in late-stage cancer progression has been well investigated, its precise roles in HCC onset remain to be systematically investigated. Therefore, we analyzed an HCC model, human hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, and surgically resected liver tissues from patients with HCC to understand the roles of Lm-γ2m in HCC onset. Ck-19- and EpCAM-positive hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the liver of pdgf-c transgenic HCC mouse model with ductular reaction showed ectopic expression of Lm-γ2m. Forced expression of Lm-γ2m in hepatocytes adjacent to HPCs resulted in enhanced tumorigenicity, cell proliferation, and migration in immortalized hepatocytes, but not in cholangiocytes in vitro. Further, pharmacological inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-Jun activator JNK suppressed Lm-γ2m-induced hepatocyte transformation, suggesting the involvement of EGFR/c-Jun signaling in the transformation, leading to HCC development. Finally, immunohistochemical staining of HCC tissues revealed a high level of Lm-γ2 expression in the HPCs of the liver with ductular reaction in normal liver adjacent to HCC tissues. Overall, HPC-derived Lm-γ2m in normal liver with ductular reaction acts as a paracrine growth factor on surrounding hepatocytes and promotes their cellular transformation through the EGFR/c-Jun signaling pathway. Furthermore, this is the first report on Lm-γ2m expression detected in the normal liver with ductular reaction, a human precancerous lesion of HCC.