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Yang M, Yao S, Zhang W, Zhao T, Li C, Ai H, Wu X, Xiao J, Zhuang X. Species-specific in vivo exposure assessment and in vivo-in vitro correlation of the carboxylate esters prodrug HD56 targeting FK506 binding proteins: The pivotal role of humanized mice. Drug Metab Dispos 2025; 53:100049. [PMID: 40073534 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmd.2025.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/02/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
HD561, which was designed to enhance nerve growth, was re-engineered into HD56, a carboxylic acid ester prodrug. The goal of this study was to compare the druggability, species differences, and the correlation between in vitro and in vivo transformation of HD56 to HD561 from a pharmacokinetic (PK) perspective, offering a scientific basis for HD56's clinical research. The bidirectional transmembrane transport of HD56 and HD561 was investigated using Caco-2 cells and LLC-PK1 cells overexpressing MDR1 monolayer cells. Recombinant enzymes and chemical inhibition methods were employed to identify the reaction phenotyping. The conversion of HD56 to HD561 was compared in hepatic and intestinal microsomes, as well as plasma, across different species, including humans, rats, monkeys, and mice with humanized liver. PK studies were conducted in rats, monkeys, and mice with different humanized liver proportions (Hu-URG, Hu-URG-Low, and Hu-URG-High). Finally, an in vivo-in vitro correlation was established between the conversion rate of HD56 to HD561. Results showed that HD56 had better permeability than HD561. HD56 could be hydrolyzed by carboxylesterase 1 to HD561 and be metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, while HD561 underwent further metabolism via CYP2C9. Significant species differences existed, and a good in vivo-in vitro correlation was only achieved in humanized mice (r = 0.98). Both in vitro and in vivo PK characteristics of HD56 were remarkably superior to those of HD561, suggesting that HD56 held promise for development. Humanized liver mice serve as a powerful model to address the issue of species differences in ester prodrugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prodrug HD56 showed superior pharmacokinetic properties compared with the active compound HD561, guiding similar prodrug research. The use of chimeric mice with human hepatocytes, for the first time, to study carboxylesterase (CES) prodrug HD56 provides a model that closely mimics human metabolism. Findings deepen understanding of HD56's behavior and offer a predictive tool for CES prodrugs' metabolic fate, streamlining drug development and improving preclinical accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Taiyun Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation
| | - Cong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Hengxiao Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Junhai Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaomei Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
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Dai M, Yang N, Xu K, Zhang J, Li X, Zhang Y, Li W. Discovering human cell-compatible gene therapy virus variants via optimized screening in mouse models. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13565. [PMID: 37864397 PMCID: PMC10905335 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In gene therapy, intravenous injection of viral vectors reigns as the primary administration route. These vectors include adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, herpes viruses, rhabdoviruses and others. However, these naturally occurring viruses lack inherent tissue or organ tropism for tailored disease treatment. To address this, we devised an optimized process involving directed viral capsid evolution, organ-specific humanized mouse models and in vitro-in vivo virus screening. Our approach allows for the rapid generation specifically modified adeno-associated virus variants, surpassing the time required for natural evolution, which spans millions of years. Notably, these variants exhibit robust targeting of the liver, favouring chimeric human liver cells over murine hepatocytes. Furthermore, certain variants achieve augmented targeting with reduced off-target organ infection, thereby mitigating dosage requirements and enhancing safety in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life ScienceNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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3
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Schmidt U, Uluca B, Vokic I, Malik B, Kolbe T, Lassnig C, Holcmann M, Moreno-Viedma V, Robl B, Mühlberger C, Gotthardt D, Sibilia M, Rülicke T, Müller M, Csiszar A. Inducible overexpression of a FAM3C/ILEI transgene has pleiotropic effects with shortened life span, liver fibrosis and anemia in mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286256. [PMID: 37713409 PMCID: PMC10503705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
FAM3C/ILEI is an important factor in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpressed in many cancers, elevated ILEI levels and secretion correlate with poor patient survival. Although ILEI's causative role in invasive tumor growth and metastasis has been demonstrated in several cellular tumor models, there are no available transgenic mice to study these effects in the context of a complex organism. Here, we describe the generation and initial characterization of a Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain. We find that ubiquitous induction of ILEI overexpression (R26-ILEIind) at weaning age leads to a shortened lifespan, reduced body weight and microcytic hypochromic anemia. The anemia was reversible at a young age within a week upon withdrawal of ILEI induction. Vav1-driven overexpression of the ILEIind transgene in all hematopoietic cells (Vav-ILEIind) did not render mice anemic or lower overall fitness, demonstrating that no intrinsic mechanisms of erythroid development were dysregulated by ILEI and that hematopoietic ILEI hyperfunction did not contribute to death. Reduced serum iron levels of R26-ILEIind mice were indicative for a malfunction in iron uptake or homeostasis. Accordingly, the liver, the main organ of iron metabolism, was severely affected in moribund ILEI overexpressing mice: increased alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels indicated liver dysfunction, the liver was reduced in size, showed increased apoptosis, reduced cellular iron content, and had a fibrotic phenotype. These data indicate that high ILEI expression in the liver might reduce hepatoprotection and induce liver fibrosis, which leads to liver dysfunction, disturbed iron metabolism and eventually to death. Overall, we show here that the novel Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain allows tissue specific timely controlled overexpression of ILEI and thus, will serve as a versatile tool to model the effect of elevated ILEI expression in diverse tissue entities and disease conditions, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schmidt
- IMP—Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Betül Uluca
- IMP—Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iva Vokic
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barizah Malik
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Kolbe
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Lassnig
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Holcmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernhard Robl
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Mühlberger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes Csiszar
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Burwitz BJ, Zhou Z, Li W. Animal models for the study of human hepatitis B and D virus infection: New insights and progress. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104898. [PMID: 32758525 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family and infects hepatocytes, leading to liver pathology in acutely and chronically infected individuals. Co-infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires the surface proteins of HBV to replicate, can exacerbate this disease progression. Thus, the >250 million people living with chronic HBV infection, including 13 million co-infected with HDV, would significantly benefit from an effective and affordable curative treatment. Animal models are crucial to the development of innovative disease therapies, a paradigm repeated again and again throughout the fields of immunology, neurology, reproduction, and development. Unfortunately, HBV has a highly-restricted species tropism, infecting limited species including humans, chimpanzees, and treeshrews. The first experimentally controlled studies of HBV infection were following inoculation of human volunteers in 1942, which identified the transmissibility of hepatitis through serum transfer and led to the hypothesis that the etiological agent was viral. Subsequent research in chimpanzees (Desmyter et al., 1971; Lichter, 1969) and later in other species, such as the treeshrews (Walter et al., 1996; Yan et al., 1996), further confirmed the viral origin of hepatitis B. Shortly thereafter, HBV-like viral infections were identified in woodchucks (Summers et al., 1978; Werner et al., 1979) and ducks, and much of our understanding of HBV replication can be attributed to these important models. However, with the exodus of chimpanzees from research and the limited reagents and historical data for treeshrews and other understudied species, there remains an urgent need to identify physiologically relevant models of chronic HBV infection. While large strides have been made in generating such models, particularly over the past two decades, there is still no available model that faithfully recapitulates the immunity and pathogenesis of HBV infection. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the generation of murine and non-human primate (NHP) models of HBV/HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Zhongmin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
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5
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Generation of human hepatocytes from extended pluripotent stem cells. Cell Res 2020; 30:810-813. [PMID: 32152419 PMCID: PMC7608418 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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6
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Generation of qualified clinical-grade functional hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells in chemically defined conditions. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:763. [PMID: 31601782 PMCID: PMC6787193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocytes have been successfully generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). However, the cost-effective and clinical-grade generation of hepatocytes from hPSCs still need to be improved. In this study, we reported the production of functional hepatocytes from clinical-grade human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) under good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements. We sequentially generated primitive streak (PS), definitive endoderm (DE), hepatoblasts and hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from hESCs in the different stages with completely defined reagents. During hepatoblast differentiation, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), transferrin, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate sesquimagnesium salt hydrate (Vc-Mg), insulin, and sodium selenite were used instead of cytokines and FBS/KOSR. Then, hepatoblasts were differentiated into HLCs that had a typical hepatocyte morphology and possessed characteristics of mature hepatocytes, such as metabolic-related gene expression, albumin secretion, fat accumulation, glycogen storage, and inducible cytochrome P450 activity in vitro. HLCs integrated into the livers of Tet-uPA Rag2–/– Il2rg–/– (URG) mice, which partially recovered after transplantation. Furthermore, a series of biosafety-related experiments were performed to ensure future clinical applications. In conclusion, we developed a chemically defined system to generate qualified clinical-grade HLCs from hESCs under GMP conditions. HLCs have been proven to be safe and effective for treating liver failure. This efficient platform could facilitate the treatment of liver diseases using hESC-derived HLCs transplantation.
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7
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A two-step lineage reprogramming strategy to generate functionally competent human hepatocytes from fibroblasts. Cell Res 2019; 29:696-710. [PMID: 31270412 PMCID: PMC6796870 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-019-0196-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminally differentiated cells can be generated by lineage reprogramming, which is, however, hindered by incomplete conversion with residual initial cell identity and partial functionality. Here, we demonstrate a new reprogramming strategy by mimicking the natural regeneration route, which permits generating expandable hepatic progenitor cells and functionally competent human hepatocytes. Fibroblasts were first induced into human hepatic progenitor-like cells (hHPLCs), which could robustly expand in vitro and efficiently engraft in vivo. Moreover, hHPLCs could be efficiently induced into mature human hepatocytes (hiHeps) in vitro, whose molecular identity highly resembles primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Most importantly, hiHeps could be generated in large quantity and were functionally competent to replace PHHs for drug-metabolism estimation, toxicity prediction and hepatitis B virus infection modeling. Our results highlight the advantages of the progenitor stage for successful lineage reprogramming. This strategy is promising for generating other mature human cell types by lineage reprogramming.
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8
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Yamaguchi T, Matsuzaki J, Katsuda T, Saito Y, Saito H, Ochiya T. Generation of functional human hepatocytes in vitro: current status and future prospects. Inflamm Regen 2019; 39:13. [PMID: 31308858 PMCID: PMC6604181 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-019-0102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver and hepatocyte transplantation are the only effective therapies for late-stage liver diseases, in which the liver loses its regenerative capacity. However, there is a shortage of donors. As a potential alternative approach, functional hepatocytes were recently generated from various cell sources. Analysis of drug metabolism in the human liver is important for drug development. Consequently, cells that metabolize drugs similar to human primary hepatocytes are required. This review discusses the current challenges and future perspectives concerning hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells that have been reprogrammed from various cell types, focusing on their functions in transplantation models and their ability to metabolize drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Yamaguchi
- 1Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512 Japan.,2Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
| | - Juntaro Matsuzaki
- 2Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan.,3Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
| | - Takeshi Katsuda
- 2Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Saito
- 1Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512 Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Saito
- 1Division of Pharmacotherapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- 2Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Japan.,4Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8402 Japan
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Abstract
The complete life cycle of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be recapitulated in vivo using immunodeficient mice that have had their livers extensively repopulated with human hepatocytes. These human liver chimeric mouse models have enabled the study of many aspects of the HCV life cycle, including antiviral interventions that have helped to shape the curative landscape that is available today. The first human liver chimeric mouse model capable of supporting the HCV life cycle was generated in SCID-uPA mice. Although other human liver chimeric mouse models have since been developed, the SCID-uPA mouse model remains one of the most robust in vivo systems available for HCV studies. This chapter reviews development, validation and application of the SCID-uPA mouse model, and discusses their potential application for studying other liver-centric diseases and pathogens and for the design and testing of vaccine candidates for the eradication of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna N Douglas
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Norman M Kneteman
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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10
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Experimental in vitro and in vivo models for the study of human hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S17-S31. [PMID: 27084033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimate of 240 million people worldwide despite the availability of a preventive vaccine. Medication to repress viral replication is available but a cure is rarely achieved. The narrow species and tissue tropism of the virus and the lack of reliable in vitro models and laboratory animals susceptible to HBV infection, have limited research progress in the past. As a result, several aspects of the HBV life cycle as well as the network of virus host interactions occurring during the infection are not yet understood. Only recently, the identification of the functional cellular receptor enabling HBV entry has opened new possibilities to establish innovative infection systems. Regarding the in vivo models of HBV infection, the classical reference was the chimpanzee. However, because of the strongly restricted use of great apes for HBV research, major efforts have focused on the development of mouse models of HBV replication and infection such as the generation of humanized mice. This review summarizes the animal and cell culture based models currently available for the study of HBV biology. We will discuss the benefits and caveats of each model and present a selection of the most important findings that have been retrieved from the respective systems.
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Tolosa L, Caron J, Hannoun Z, Antoni M, López S, Burks D, Castell JV, Weber A, Gomez-Lechon MJ, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Transplantation of hESC-derived hepatocytes protects mice from liver injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:246. [PMID: 26652177 PMCID: PMC4676869 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic cell therapy has become a viable alternative to liver transplantation for life-threatening liver diseases. However, the supply of human hepatocytes is limited due to the shortage of suitable donor organs required to isolate high-quality cells. Human pluripotent stem cells reflect a potential renewable source for generating functional hepatocytes. However, most differentiation protocols use undefined matrices or factors of animal origin; as such, the resulting hepatocytes are not Good Manufacturing Practice compliant. Moreover, the preclinical studies employed to assess safety and function of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived hepatocytes are generally limited to immunodeficient mice. In the present study, we evaluate the generation of hepatocytes under defined conditions using a European hESC line (VAL9) which was derived under animal-free conditions. The function capacity of VAL9-derived hepatocytes was assessed by transplantation into mice with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure, a clinically relevant model. Methods We developed a protocol that successfully differentiates hESCs into bipotent hepatic progenitors under defined conditions, without the use of chromatin modifiers such as dimethyl sulphoxide. These progenitors can be cryopreserved and are able to generate both committed precursors of cholangiocytes and neonate-like hepatocytes. Results Thirty days post-differentiation, hESCs expressed hepatocyte-specific markers such as asialoglycoprotein receptor and hepatic nuclear factors including HNF4α. The cells exhibited properties of mature hepatocytes such as urea secretion and UGT1A1 and cytochrome P450 activities. When transplanted into mice with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure, a model of liver damage, the VAL9-derived hepatocytes efficiently engrafted and proliferated, repopulating up to 10 % of the liver. In these transplanted livers, we observed a significant decrease of liver transaminases and found no evidence of tumourigenicity. Thus, VAL9-derived hepatocytes were able to rescue hepatic function in acetaminophen-treated animals. Conclusions Our study reveals an efficient protocol for differentiating VAL9 hESCs to neonatal hepatocytes which are then able to repopulate livers in vivo without tumour induction. The human hepatocytes are able to rescue liver function in mice with acetaminophen-induced acute toxicity. These results provide proof-of-concept that replacement therapies using hESC-derived hepatocytes are effective for treating liver diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0227-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Tolosa
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, IIS LA Fe, Valencia, S-46026, Spain. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
| | - Jérôme Caron
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
| | - Zara Hannoun
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
| | - Marc Antoni
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
| | - Silvia López
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, IIS LA Fe, Valencia, S-46026, Spain.
| | - Deborah Burks
- CIBERDEM, Centro de Investigacion Prıncipe Felipe, Valencia, S-46012, Spain.
| | - Jose Vicente Castell
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, IIS LA Fe, Valencia, S-46026, Spain. .,CIBERehd, FIS, Barcelona, S-08036, Spain.
| | - Anne Weber
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
| | - Maria-Jose Gomez-Lechon
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, IIS LA Fe, Valencia, S-46026, Spain. .,CIBERehd, FIS, Barcelona, S-08036, Spain.
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERM, U 1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, F-94807, France. .,Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Villejuif, F-94800, France. .,DHU Hepatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.
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12
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Chen J, Wu M, Liu K, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhou X, Bai L, Yuan Z. New insights into hepatitis B virus biology and implications for novel antiviral strategies. Natl Sci Rev 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwv044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a small DNA virus with a unique replication mode, can cause chronic hepatitis (CHB), which is characterized by the persistence of the viral covalently closed circular DNA that serves as the template for HBV replication and the production of large amounts of secreted HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) that is present in excess of the levels of infectious virus. Despite the success of currently approved antiviral treatments for CHB patients, including interferon and nucleotide analogs, which suppress HBV replication and reduce the risk of CHB-related liver diseases, these therapies fail to eradicate the virus in most of the patients. With the development of the cell and animal models for HBV study, a better understanding of the HBV life cycle has been achieved and a series of novel antiviral strategies that target different stages of HBV replication have been designed to overcome the viral factors that contribute to HBV persistence. Such basic HBV research advancements and therapeutic developments are the subject of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Min Wu
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Kuancheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institutes of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institutes of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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13
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Douglas DN, Kneteman NM. Generation of improved mouse models for the study of hepatitis C virus. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 759:313-25. [PMID: 25814250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 3% of the world׳s population suffers from chronic infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although current treatment regimes are capable of effectively eradicating HCV infection from these patients, the cost of these combinations of direct-acting antivirals are prohibitive. Approximately 80% of untreated chronic HCV carriers will be at high risk for developing severe liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A vaccine is urgently needed to lessen this global burden. Besides humans, HCV infection can be experimentally transmitted to chimpanzees, and this is the best model for studies of HCV infection and related innate and adaptive immune responses. Although the chimpanzee model yielded valuable insight, limited availability, high cost and ethical considerations limit their utility. The only small animal models of robust HCV infection are highly immunodeficient mice with human chimeric livers. However, these mice cannot be used to study adaptive immune responses and therefore a more relevant animal model is needed to assist in vaccine development. Novel strains of immunodeficient mice have been developed that allow for the engraftment of human hepatopoietic stem cells, as well as functional human lymphoid cells and tissues, effectively creating human immune systems in otherwise immunodeficient mice. These humanized mice are rapidly emerging as pre-clinical bridges for numerous pathogens that, like HCV, only cause infectious disease in humans. This review highlights the potential these new models have for changing the current landscape for HCV research and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna N Douglas
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1.
| | - Norman M Kneteman
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1; KMT Hepatech Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2M9
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14
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Dandri M, Lütgehetmann M. Mouse models of hepatitis B and delta virus infection. J Immunol Methods 2014; 410:39-49. [PMID: 24631647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease associated to persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a major health problem of global impact. Therapeutic regimens currently available can efficiently suppress HBV replication; however, the unique replication strategies employed by HBV permit the virus to persist within the infected hepatocytes. As a consequence, relapse of viral activity is commonly observed after cessation of treatment with polymerase inhibitors. Among the HBV chronically infected patients, more than 15million patients are estimated to be co-infected with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a defective satellite virus that needs the HBV envelope for propagation. No specific drugs are currently available against HDV, while nucleos(t)ide analogs are not effective against HDV replication. Since chronic HBV/HDV co-infection leads to the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis in men, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HDV-mediated pathogenesis and the development of improved therapeutic approaches is urgently needed. The obvious limitations imposed by the use of great apes and the paucity of robust experimental models of HBV infection have hindered progresses in understanding the complex network of virus-host interactions that are established in the course of HBV and HDV infections. This review focuses on summarizing recent advances obtained with well-established and more innovative experimental mouse models, giving emphasis on the strength of infection systems based on the reconstitution of the murine liver with human hepatocytes, as tools for elucidating the whole life cycle of HBV and HDV, as well as for studies on interactions with the infected human hepatocytes and for preclinical drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Germany.
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Du Y, Wang J, Jia J, Song N, Xiang C, Xu J, Hou Z, Su X, Liu B, Jiang T, Zhao D, Sun Y, Shu J, Guo Q, Yin M, Sun D, Lu S, Shi Y, Deng H. Human hepatocytes with drug metabolic function induced from fibroblasts by lineage reprogramming. Cell Stem Cell 2014; 14:394-403. [PMID: 24582926 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Obtaining fully functional cell types is a major challenge for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Currently, a fundamental solution to this key problem is still lacking. Here, we show that functional human induced hepatocytes (hiHeps) can be generated from fibroblasts by overexpressing the hepatic fate conversion factors HNF1A, HNF4A, and HNF6 along with the maturation factors ATF5, PROX1, and CEBPA. hiHeps express a spectrum of phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes and phase III drug transporters. Importantly, the metabolic activities of CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 are comparable between hiHeps and freshly isolated primary human hepatocytes. Transplanted hiHeps repopulate up to 30% of the livers of Tet-uPA/Rag2(-/-)/γc(-/-) mice and secrete more than 300 μg/ml human ALBUMIN in vivo. Our data demonstrate that human hepatocytes with drug metabolic function can be generated by lineage reprogramming, thus providing a cell resource for pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Du
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinlin Wang
- Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Jia
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Nan Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chengang Xiang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jun Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhiyuan Hou
- Beijing Vitalstar Biotechnology, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaohua Su
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Dongxin Zhao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingli Sun
- Laboratory of Genome Variations and Precision Bio-Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian Shu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qingliang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ming Yin
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Da Sun
- Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Yan Shi
- Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Hongkui Deng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Shenzhen Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China; Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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16
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Yoshizato K, Tateno C. A mouse with humanized liver as an animal model for predicting drug effects and for studying hepatic viral infection: where to next? Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2013; 9:1419-35. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2013.826649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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17
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Billerbeck E, de Jong Y, Dorner M, de la Fuente C, Ploss A. Animal models for hepatitis C. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 369:49-86. [PMID: 23463197 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-27340-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C remains a global epidemic. Approximately 3 % of the world's population suffers from chronic hepatitis C, which is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV)-a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. HCV has a high propensity for establishing a chronic infection. If untreated chronic HCV carriers can develop severe liver disease including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antiviral treatment is only partially effective, costly, and poorly tolerated. A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for HCV does not exist. Mechanistic studies of virus-host interactions, HCV immunity, and pathogenesis as well as the development of more effective therapies have been hampered by the lack of a suitable small animal model. Besides humans, chimpanzees are the only species that is naturally susceptible to HCV infection. While experimentation in these large primates has yielded valuable insights, ethical considerations, limited availability, genetic heterogeneity, and cost limit their utility. In search for more tractable small animal models, numerous experimental approaches have been taken to recapitulate parts of the viral life cycle and/or aspects of viral pathogenesis that will be discussed in this review. Exciting new models and improvements in established models hold promise to further elucidate our understanding of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Billerbeck
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, NY, USA
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18
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Establishment of novel embryonic stem (ES) cell lines from OG2/rtTA blastocysts. J Genet Genomics 2011; 38:289-95. [PMID: 21777853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from the pre-implantation blastocyst-stage embryos have been widely used to investigate the molecular events determining pluripotency and cell lineage differentiation. As the first discovered ES-specific transcription factor, Oct4 has been considered as the core pluripotency factor of ES cells. In the present study, we successfully established seven ES lines from the blastocysts collected from female OG2 (Oct4-GFP transgenic) mice, which have been crossed with male rtTA transgenic mice. The pluripotency of the ES cell lines can be visualized by the expression of Oct4-GFP under fluorescent microscopy and germ-line transmission capability has been further confirmed. More importantly, the presence of rtTA could induce transgene's expression with the help of doxycycline. Therefore, these ES cell lines provide an excellent tool to further discover novel factors affecting pluripotency and to investigate the molecular mechanism of reprogramming in defined transcription factors mediated nuclear reprogramming.
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19
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Lerat H, Higgs M, Pawlotsky JM. Animal models in the study of hepatitis C virus-associated liver pathologies. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 5:341-52. [PMID: 21651352 DOI: 10.1586/egh.11.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than 170 million individuals worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), with approximately 20% of the cases developing cirrhosis. Each year, between 1 and 4% of patients exhibiting cirrhosis develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic HCV infection is also linked with the development of several metabolic disorders, including hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Research into HCV-related pathologies is hampered by a relative paucity of small animal models. As a result, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved, and much of our current knowledge is drawn by inference from in vitro studies using overexpressed proteins. In this article, we will review the currently available animal models for the study of HCV pathogenesis, with an emphasis on murine models. Then, we will provide an overview of how these models have contributed to the deciphering of the molecular mechanisms underlying dysregulated lipid metabolism and hepatocellular carcinoma during HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Lerat
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité U955, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, F-94010, France.
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20
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de Jong YP, Rice CM, Ploss A. New horizons for studying human hepatotropic infections. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:650-3. [PMID: 20179350 DOI: 10.1172/jci42338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver serves as a target organ for several important pathogens, including hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) and the human malaria parasites, all of which represent serious global health problems. Because these pathogens are restricted to human hepatocytes, research in small animals has been compromised by the frailty of the current mouse xenotransplantation models. In this issue of the JCI, Bissig et al. demonstrate robust HBV and HCV infection in a novel xenotransplantation model in which large numbers of immunodeficient mice with liver injury were engrafted with significant quantities of human hepatocytes. This technical advance paves the way for more widespread use of human liver chimeric mice and forms the basis for creating increasingly complex humanized mouse models that could prove useful for studying immunopathogenesis and vaccine development against hepatotropic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ype P de Jong
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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