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Liu QQ, Chen J, Ma T, Huang W, Lu CH. DCDC2 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9425. [PMID: 38658618 PMCID: PMC11043443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as a consequence of chronic liver disease, involves the activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) caused by various chronic liver injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that activation of HSC during an inflammatory state can lead to abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Investigating novel strategies to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation holds significant importance for the treatment of liver fibrosis. As a member of the doublecortin domain-containing family, doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2) mutations can lead to neonatal sclerosing cholangitis, but its involvement in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the role of DCDC2 in liver fibrosis. Our findings revealed a reduction in DCDC2 expression in both human fibrotic liver tissues and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues. Furthermore, exposure to transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) stimulation resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in DCDC2 expression. The overexpression of DCDC2 inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen alpha 1 (Col1α1), and reduced the activation of HSC stimulated with TGF-β1. Additionally, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in this process, wherein DCDC2 was observed to inhibit β-catenin activation, thereby preventing its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that DCDC2 could attenuate the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like processes of HSC. In vivo, exogenous DCDC2 could ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In summary, DCDC2 was remarkably downregulated in liver fibrotic tissues of both humans and mice, as well as in TGF-β1-activated HSC. DCDC2 inhibited the activation of HSC induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and warrants further investigation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Liu
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Liu B, Xie X, Yang X, Dou C, Tang H, Liu J. The miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro and CCl 4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo. Hum Cell 2024; 37:435-450. [PMID: 38218754 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-01017-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Continuously progressive hepatic fibrosis might cause chronic liver diseases, resulting in hepatic failure. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) residing in the liver might induce and influence hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, microRNA 3074 (miR-3074) was found increased within transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated HSCs and enriched within the TGF-β signaling. In activated HSCs by TGF-β, miR-3074 overexpression aggravated TGF-β-induced fibrotic changes, whereas miR-3074 inhibition exerted opposite effects. miR-3074 directly targeted bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and inhibited BMP7 expression. Under TGF-β induction, overexpressed BMP7 notably attenuated the promotive roles of miR-3074 overexpression in TGF-β-activated HSCs. Within carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused liver fibrosis murine model, miR-3074 agomir administration promoted, while LV-BMP7 administration alleviated CCl4-induced fibrotic changes; LV-BMP7 significantly attenuated the effects of miR-3074 agomir. Lastly, mmu-miR-3074 also targeted mouse BMP7 and inhibited mouse BMP7 expression. In conclusion, the miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of HSCs in vitro and CCl4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo. BMP7-mediated Smad1/5/8 activation might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xia Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Chengyun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Haibo Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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Chen H, Zhou S, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Leng L, Cao Z, Luan P, Li Y, Wang S, Li H, Cheng B. HBP1 promotes chicken preadipocyte proliferation via directly repressing SOCS3 transcription. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128414. [PMID: 38029903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Preadipocyte proliferation is an essential process in adipose development. During proliferation of preadipocytes, transcription factors play crucial roles. HMG-box protein 1 (HBP1) is an important transcription factor of cellular proliferation. However, the function and underlying mechanisms of HBP1 in the proliferation of preadipocytes remain unclear. Here, we found that the expression level of HBP1 decreased first and then increased during the proliferation of chicken preadipocytes. Knockout of HBP1 could inhibit the proliferation of preadipocytes, while overexpression of HBP1 could promote the proliferation of preadipocytes. ChIP-seq data showed that HBP1 had the unique DNA binding motif in chicken preadipocytes. By integrating ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we revealed a total of 3 candidate target genes of HBP1. Furthermore, the results of ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR, luciferase reporter assay and EMSA showed that HBP1 could inhibit the transcription of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) by binding to its promoter. Moreover, we confirmed that SOCS3 can mediate the regulation of HBP1 on the proliferation of preadipocytes through RNAi and rescue experiments. Altogether, these data demonstrated that HBP1 directly targets SOCS3 to regulate chicken preadipocyte proliferation. Our findings expand the transcriptional regulatory network of preadipocyte proliferation, and they will be helpful in formulating a molecular breeding scheme to control excessive abdominal fat deposition and to improve meat quality in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Life Science and Agriculture Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sitong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Youdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li Leng
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhiping Cao
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luan
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yumao Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shouzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Bohan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, China.
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Wu X, Zhu Y, Guo Y, Zhao Z, Li Z. Grb2-related adaptor protein GRAP is a novel regulator of liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 327:121861. [PMID: 37343720 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Excessive liver fibrosis is frequently observed in chronic liver diseases and associated with decline of liver functions. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered the principal mediator of liver fibrosis by trans-differentiating into myofibroblasts. In the present study we investigated the role of Grb2-related adaptor protein (GRAP) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Gene expression was examined by quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated by EdU incorporation. DNA-protein interaction was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). KEY FINDINGS GRAP expression was up-regulated during HSC-myofibroblast transition both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) formed a complex to bind to the GRAP promoter and activate GRAP transcription. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated GRAP silencing blocked HSC-myofibroblast transition in vitro. Importantly, adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) mediated GRAP knockdown in myofibroblasts attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. Of note, inhibition of ERK signaling abrogated enhancement of HSC-myofibroblast transition by GRAP over-expression. SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that GRAP, possibly via ERK activation, regulates HSC-myofibroblast transition and contributes to liver fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule GRAP inhibitors may yield novel therapeutic solutions against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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Han G, Kim J, Kim JM, Kil D. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver in aged laying hens with different eggshell strength. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102217. [PMID: 36343436 PMCID: PMC9646969 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Eggshell is composed of a very ordered and mineralized structure and is important for egg quality. Eggshell strength is particularly important because of its direct association with economic outcomes and egg safety. Various factors related to laying hens and their environment affects eggshell strength. However, the molecular mechanisms of liver functions related to decreased eggshell strength of aged laying hens are largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential factors affecting eggshell strength in aged laying hens at the hepatic transcriptomic level. A total of five hundred 92-wk-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were screened to select those exhibiting the greatest variation in eggshell strength. Based on the final eggshell strength, 12 hens producing eggs with strong eggshell strength (SES) and weak eggshell strength (WES) were finally selected (n = 6) for liver tissue sampling. The RNA-sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the 2 groups. We identified a total of 2,084 DEGs, of which 1,358 genes were upregulated and 726 genes were downregulated in the WES group compared with SES group. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, the DEGs indicated the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and the insulin resistance pathways. Genes related to fatty liver disease were upregulated in WES group compared with SES group. In addition, expression of several genes associated with oxidative stress and bone resorption activity was altered in aged laying hens with different eggshell strength. Overall, these findings contribute to the identification of genes involved in different intensity of eggshell strength, enabling more understanding of the hepatic molecular mechanism underlying in decreased eggshell strength of aged laying hens.
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Xie X, Dou CY, Zhou Y, Zhou Q, Tang HB. MicroRNA-503 Targets Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 7 Enhancing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:1928-1939. [PMID: 32648079 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hyper-accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is the leading cause of hepatic fibrosis, and TGF-β-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central event of hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis. The deregulation and dysfunction of miRNAs in hepatic fibrosis have been reported previously. AIMS To identify miRNA(s) playing a role in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. METHODS We analyzed online microarray expression datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for differentially expressed miRNAs in hepatic fibrosis-related disease liver tissues, examined the specific effects of the candidate miRNA on TGF-β-induced HSC activation, and screened for the targets of the candidate miRNA in the TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Then, the predicted miRNA-mRNA binding, the specific effects of the target mRNA, and the dynamic effects of miRNA and mRNA on TGF-β-induced HSC activation were investigated. RESULTS The miR-503 expression was upregulated in TGF-β-activated HSCs. miR-503 overexpression enhanced, while miR-503 inhibition attenuated TGF-β-induced HSC proliferation and ECM accumulation in HSCs. miR-503 targeted SMAD7 to inhibit SMAD7 expression. SMAD7 knockdown also aggravated TGF-β-induced HSC proliferation and ECM accumulation in HSCs. The effects of miR-503 overexpression on TGF-β-induced HSC activation were partially reversed by SMAD7 overexpression. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model in rats, miR-503 overexpression aggravated, whereas SMAD7 overexpression improved CCl4-induced fibrotic changes in rats' liver tissues. The effects of miR-503 overexpression on CCl4-induced fibrotic changes were partially reversed by SMAD7 overexpression. CONCLUSION miR-503 acts on HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis through SMAD7. The miR-503/SMAD7 axis enhances HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Hai-Bo Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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Zhu C, He X, Chen K, Huang Z, Yao A, Tian X, You Y, Zeng M. LncRNA NBR2 aggravates hepatoblastoma cell malignancy and promotes cell proliferation under glucose starvation through the miR-22/TCF7 axis. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:575-590. [PMID: 33651649 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1885236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most commonly seen pediatric liver malignancy. With frequent mutations in CTNNB1 gene that encodes β-catenin, hepatoblastoma has been considered as a Wnt/β-catenin-activated malignant tumor. Altered glucose metabolism upon nutrient deprivation (glucose starvation) might also be a critical event in hepatoblastoma carcinogenesis. The present study provides a lncRNA NBR2/miR-22/TCF7 axis modulating proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of hepatoblastoma cells upon glucose starvation through Wnt and downstream TCF7 signaling pathways. The expression of NBR2 is significantly increased within hepatoblastoma tissue samples; moreover, under incubation with 0 mM glucose (glucose starvation), NBR2 expression is significantly upregulated. NBR2 silencing not only inhibited hepatoblastoma cell viability, invasion, and migration under normal culture condition but also promoted the cell apoptosis under glucose starvation. NBR2 silencing in hepatoblastoma cells also decreased TCF7 mRNA expression and TCF7 protein levels, as well as the protein levels of the cell cycle, glucose entrapment, and EMT markers. miR-22 is directly bound to both NBR2 and TCF7; lncRNA NBR2 counteracted miR-22-mediated repression on TCF7 via acting as a ceRNA. The effects of NBR2 silencing on TCF7 expression, hepatoblastoma cell phenotype, and cell cycle, glucose entrapment, and EMT markers were all significantly reversed by miR-22 inhibition. In conclusion, lncRNA NBR2 aggravates hepatoblastoma cell malignancy through competing with TCF7 for miR-22 binding, therefore counteracting miR-22-mediated repression on TCF7. LncRNA NBR2 might be a promising target to inhibit hepatoblastoma cell proliferation under glucose starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengguang Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Xiangling He
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Keke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Zhijun Huang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Anqi Yao
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Yalan You
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Minhui Zeng
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
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Peng F, Tian Y, Ma J, Xu Z, Wang S, Tang M, Lei J, Gong G, Jiang Y. CAT1 silencing inhibits TGF-β1-induced mouse hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Cytokine 2020; 136:155288. [PMID: 32980687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary cells that produce ECM in response to hepatic injury, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has been regarded as the central stimulus responsible for HSC-mediated ECM production. In the present study, we attempted to identify a critical factor in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. By analyzing online microarray expression profiles, we found that the expression of high-affinity cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) was upregulated in hepatic fibrosis models and activated HSCs. We isolated and identified mouse HSCs (MHSCs) and found that in these cells, CAT1 was most highly upregulated by TGF-β1 stimulation in both time- and dose-dependent manners. In vitro, CAT1 overexpression further enhanced, while CAT1 silencing inhibited, the effect of TGF-β1 in promoting MHSC activation. In vivo, CAT1 silencing significantly improved the hepatic fibrosis induced by both CCl4 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In summary, CAT1 was significantly upregulated in TGF-β1-activated MHSCs and mice with hepatic fibrosis. CAT1 silencing inhibited TGF-β1-induced MHSC activation in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo. CAT1 is a promising target for hepatic fibrosis treatment that requites further investigation in human cells and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Peng
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Sujuan Wang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Min Tang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jianhua Lei
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yongfang Jiang
- Liver Diseases Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
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Wu F, Ning L, Zhou R, Shen A. Screening and evaluation of key genes in contributing to pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis based on microarray data. Eur J Med Res 2020; 25:43. [PMID: 32943114 PMCID: PMC7499914 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF), which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver, usually progresses to liver cirrhosis and then death. To screen differentially expressed (DE) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, explore their potential functions to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HF. METHODS The microarray of GSE80601 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which is based on the GPL1355 platform. Screening for the differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs was conducted between the control and model groups. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to analyze the biological functions and pathways of the DE mRNAs. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was delineated. In addition, utilizing the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) package and Cytoscape software, we constructed lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression networks. RESULTS A total of 254 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and 472 mRNAs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that DE mRNAs regulated HF by participating in the GO terms of metabolic process, inflammatory response, response to wounding and oxidation-reduction. DE mRNAs were also significantly enriched in the pathways of ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion (FA), retinol metabolism and metabolic pathways. Moreover, 24 lncRNAs associated with 40 differentially expressed genes were observed in the modules of lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression network. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed crucial information on the molecular mechanisms of HF and laid a foundation for subsequent genes validation and functional studies, which could contribute to the development of novel diagnostic markers and provide new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Ning
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Aizong Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Ge S, Wu X, Xiong Y, Xie J, Liu F, Zhang W, Yang L, Zhang S, Lai L, Huang J, Li M, Yu YQ. HMGB1 Inhibits HNF1A to Modulate Liver Fibrogenesis via p65/miR-146b Signaling. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:1711-1722. [PMID: 32833553 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.5330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is essential for the pathogenesis of liver injury and liver fibrosis. We previously revealed that miR-146b promotes hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation. Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms are still unknown. Herein, HMGB1 increased HSCs proliferation and COL1A1 and α-SMA protein levels. However, the knockdown of miR-146b inhibited HSCs proliferation and COL1A1 and α-SMA protein levels induced via HMGB1 treatment. miR-146b was upregulated by HMGB1 and miR-146b targeted hepatocyte nuclear factor 1A (HNF1A) 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) to modulate its expression negatively. Further, we confirmed that HMGB1 might elicit miR-146b expression via p65 within HSCs. Knockdown or block of HMGB1 relieved the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In fibrotic liver tissues, miR-146b expression was positively correlated with p65 mRNA, but HNF1A mRNA was inversely correlated with p65, and miR-146b expression. In summary, our findings suggest that HMGB1/p65/miR-146b/HNF1A signaling exerts a crucial effect on liver fibrogenesis via the regulation of HSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanfei Ge
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, ShangRao People's Hospital, ShangRao, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lingling Lai
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiansheng Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yan-Qing Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process induced by chronic liver injuries, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and metal poisoning. The accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver is a key characteristic of liver fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major producers of ECM and therefore play irreplaceably important roles during the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrogenesis is highly correlated with the activation of HSCs, which is regulated by numerous profibrotic cytokines. Using RNA interference to downregulate these cytokines in activated HSCs is a promising strategy to reverse liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, microRNAs (miRNAs) have also been exploited for the treatment of liver fibrosis. This review focuses on the current siRNA- and miRNA-based liver fibrosis treatment strategies by targeting activated HSCs in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.
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Zhang H, Hu J, Liu L. MiR-200a modulates TGF-β1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal shift via suppression of GRB2 in HAECs. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:215-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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