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Hong R, Tan Y, Tian X, Huang Z, Wang J, Ni H, Yang J, Bu W, Yang S, Li T, Yu F, Zhong W, Sun T, Wang X, Li D, Liu M, Yang Y, Zhou J. XIAP-mediated degradation of IFT88 disrupts HSC cilia to stimulate HSC activation and liver fibrosis. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1055-1074. [PMID: 38351372 PMCID: PMC10933415 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00092-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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a critical role in liver fibrosis. However, the molecular basis for HSC activation remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that primary cilia are present on quiescent HSCs but exhibit a significant loss upon HSC activation which correlates with decreased levels of the ciliary protein intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88). Ift88-knockout mice are more susceptible to chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistic studies show that the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for IFT88. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a profibrotic factor, enhances XIAP-mediated ubiquitination of IFT88, promoting its proteasomal degradation. Blocking XIAP-mediated IFT88 degradation ablates TGF-β-induced HSC activation and liver fibrosis. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for ciliary homeostasis in regulating HSC activation and identify the XIAP-IFT88 axis as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Hong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjie Tan
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhou Huang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Ni
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwen Bu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Te Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, 300052, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China.
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 250014, Jinan, China.
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Pan Q, Gao M, Kim D, Ai W, Yang W, Jiang W, Brashear W, Dai Y, Li S, Sun Y, Qi Y, Guo S. Hepatocyte FoxO1 Deficiency Protects From Liver Fibrosis via Reducing Inflammation and TGF-β1-mediated HSC Activation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:41-58. [PMID: 37678798 PMCID: PMC10665954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.013] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The O-class of the forkhead transcription factor FoxO1 is a crucial factor mediating insulin→PI3K→Akt signaling and governs diverse cellular processes. However, the role of hepatocyte FoxO1 in liver fibrosis has not been well-established. In his study, we investigated the role of hepatocyte FoxO1 in liver fibrosis and uncovered the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Liver fibrosis was established by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) administration and compared between liver-specific deletion of FoxO1 deletion (F1KO) and control (CNTR) mice. Using genetic and bioinformatic strategies in vitro and in vivo, the role of hepatic FoxO1 in liver fibrosis and associated mechanisms was established. RESULTS Increased FoxO1 expression and FoxO1 signaling activation were observed in CCL4-induced fibrosis. Hepatic FoxO1 deletion largely attenuated CCL4-induced liver injury and fibrosis compared with CNTR mice. F1KO mice showed ameliorated CCL4-induced hepatic inflammation and decreased TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels compared with those of CNTR mice. In primary hepatocytes, FoxO1 deficiency reduced TGF-β1 expression and secretion. Conditioned medium (CM) collected from wild-type hepatocytes treated with CCL4 activated human HSC cell line (LX-2); such effect was attenuated by FoxO1 deletion in primary hepatocytes or neutralization of TGF-β1 in the CM using TGF-β1 antibody. Hepatic FoxO1 overexpression in CNTR mice promoted CCL4-induced HSC activation; such effect was blocked in L-TGF-β1KO mice. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic FoxO1 mediates CCL4-inducled liver fibrosis via upregulating hepatocyte TGF-β1 expression, stimulating hepatic inflammation and TGF-β1-mediated HSC activation. Hepatic FoxO1 may be a therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Pan
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Mingming Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology. Tangshan, China
| | - DaMi Kim
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Weiqi Ai
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Wanbao Yang
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Wesley Brashear
- High Performance Research Computing, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Yujiao Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology. Tangshan, China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology. Tangshan, China
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Yajuan Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology. Tangshan, China.
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Wiering L, Subramanian P, Hammerich L. Hepatic Stellate Cells: Dictating Outcome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1277-1292. [PMID: 36828280 PMCID: PMC10148161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fast growing, chronic liver disease affecting ∼25% of the global population. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease severity ranges from the less severe simple hepatic steatosis to the more advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The presence of NASH predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This makes hepatic fibrosis an important indicator of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH. Hepatic stellate cell activation dictates fibrosis development during NASH. Here, we discuss recent advances in the analysis of the profibrogenic pathways and mediators of hepatic stellate cell activation and inactivation, which ultimately determine the course of disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leke Wiering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pallavi Subramanian
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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Yang AT, Kim YO, Yan XZ, Abe H, Aslam M, Park KS, Zhao XY, Jia JD, Klein T, You H, Schuppan D. Fibroblast Activation Protein Activates Macrophages and Promotes Parenchymal Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:841-867. [PMID: 36521660 PMCID: PMC9972574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed on activated fibroblast. Its role in fibrosis and desmoplasia is controversial, and data on pharmacological FAP inhibition are lacking. We aimed to better define the role of FAP in liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS FAP expression was analyzed in mice and patients with fibrotic liver diseases of various etiologies. Fibrotic mice received a specific FAP inhibitor (FAPi) at 2 doses orally for 2 weeks during parenchymal fibrosis progression (6 weeks of carbon tetrachloride) and regression (2 weeks off carbon tetrachloride), and with biliary fibrosis (Mdr2-/-). Recombinant FAP was added to (co-)cultures of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), fibroblasts, and macrophages. Fibrosis- and inflammation-related parameters were determined biochemically, by quantitative immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and transcriptomics. RESULTS FAP+ fibroblasts/HSCs were α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-negative and located at interfaces of fibrotic septa next to macrophages in murine and human livers. In parenchymal fibrosis, FAPi reduced collagen area, liver collagen content, α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, M2-type macrophages, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, key fibrogenesis-related transcripts, and increased hepatocyte proliferation 10-fold. During regression, FAP was suppressed, and FAPi was ineffective. FAPi less potently inhibited biliary fibrosis. In vitro, FAP small interfering RNA reduced HSC α-SMA expression and collagen production, and FAPi suppressed their activation and proliferation. Compared with untreated macrophages, FAPi regulated macrophage profibrogenic activation and transcriptome, and their conditioned medium attenuated HSC activation, which was increased with addition of recombinant FAP. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological FAP inhibition attenuates inflammation-predominant liver fibrosis. FAP is expressed on subsets of activated fibroblasts/HSC and promotes both macrophage and HSC profibrogenic activity in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xu-Zhen Yan
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Misbah Aslam
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Sook Park
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xin-Yan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Thomas Klein
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cardiometabolic Research, Biberach, Germany
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Hsieh YC, Lee KC, Lei HJ, Lan KH, Huo TI, Lin YT, Chan CC, Schnabl B, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lin HC. (Pro)renin Receptor Knockdown Attenuates Liver Fibrosis Through Inactivation of ERK/TGF-β1/SMAD3 Pathway. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:813-838. [PMID: 34087453 PMCID: PMC8340309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Activation of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) up-regulates the expression of profibrotic genes in the kidney and heart. We aimed to investigate the role of PRR in hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS Human hepatic PRR levels were measured in patients with or without liver fibrosis. PRR expression was analyzed in primary mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Experimental fibrosis was studied in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated or methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed C57BL/6 mice. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA was used to knockdown hepatic PRR expression. Lentiviral vectors expressing PRR short hairpin RNA or complementary DNA from the α-smooth muscle actin promoter were used for myofibroblast-specific gene knockdown or overexpression. RESULTS PRR is up-regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, and in activated HSCs. Hepatic PRR knockdown reduced liver fibrosis by suppressing the activation of HSCs and expression of profibrotic genes in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice without significant changes in hepatic inflammation. Renin and prorenin increased the expression of PRR and production of TGF-β1 in human activated HSC Lieming Xu-2 cells, and knockdown of PRR inactivated Lieming Xu-2 cells with decreased production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation. Myofibroblast-specific PRR knockdown also attenuated liver fibrosis in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice. Mice with both myofibroblast-specific and whole-liver PRR knockdown showed down-regulation of the hepatic extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Myofibroblast-specific PRR overexpression worsened TAA-induced liver fibrosis by up-regulating the ERK/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS PRR contributes to liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and its down-regulation attenuates liver fibrosis through inactivation of the ERK/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Therefore, PRR is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Cheng Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Kuei-Chuan Lee, MD, PhD, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan. fax: (886) 2-2873-9318.
| | - Hao-Jan Lei
- Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Hsin Lan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ia Huo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsung Lin
- Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chang Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Luo X, Li H, Ma L, Zhou J, Guo X, Woo SL, Pei Y, Knight LR, Deveau M, Chen Y, Qian X, Xiao X, Li Q, Chen X, Huo Y, McDaniel K, Francis H, Glaser S, Meng F, Alpini G, Wu C. Expression of STING Is Increased in Liver Tissues From Patients With NAFLD and Promotes Macrophage-Mediated Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice. Gastroenterology 2018; 155:1971-1984.e4. [PMID: 30213555 PMCID: PMC6279491 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [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: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173 or STING) signaling by macrophage activates the type I interferon-mediated innate immune response. The innate immune response contributes to hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether STING regulates diet-induced in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS Mice with disruption of Tmem173 (STINGgt) on a C57BL/6J background, mice without disruption of this gene (controls), and mice with disruption of Tmem173 only in myeloid cells were fed a standard chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat calories), or a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD). Liver tissues were collected and analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Bone marrow cells were isolated from mice, differentiated into macrophages, and incubated with 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA; an activator of STING) or cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP). Macrophages or their media were applied to mouse hepatocytes or human hepatic stellate cells (LX2) cells, which were analyzed for cytokine expression, protein phosphorylation, and fat deposition (by oil red O staining after incubation with palmitate). We obtained liver tissues from patients with and without NAFLD and analyzed these by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Non-parenchymal cells of liver tissues from patients with NAFLD had higher levels of STING than cells of liver tissues from patients without NAFLD. STINGgt mice and mice with disruption only in myeloid cells developed less severe hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and/or fibrosis after the HFD or MCD than control mice. Levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p65 and mRNAs encoding tumor necrosis factor and interleukins 1B and 6 (markers of inflammation) were significantly lower in liver tissues from STINGgt mice vs control mice after the HFD or MCD. Transplantation of bone marrow cells from control mice to STINGgt mice restored the severity of steatosis and inflammation after the HFD. Macrophages from control, but not STINGgt, mice increased markers of inflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide and cGAMP. Hepatocytes and stellate cells cocultured with STINGgt macrophages in the presence of DMXAA or incubated with the medium collected from these macrophages had decreased fat deposition and markers of inflammation compared with hepatocytes or stellate cells incubated with control macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Levels of STING were increased in liver tissues from patients with NAFLD and mice with HFD-induced steatosis. In mice, loss of STING from macrophages decreased the severity of liver fibrosis and the inflammatory response. STING might be a therapeutic target for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Luo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Honggui Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linqiang Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA,,Department of Endocrinology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA,Department of the Laboratory of Lipid & Glucose Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Shih-Lung Woo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ya Pei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linda R. Knight
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Michael Deveau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yanming Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiaoxian Qian
- Department of Cardiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Qifu Li
- Department of the Laboratory of Lipid & Glucose Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiangbai Chen
- Department of Pathology, Baylor Scott & White Health, College Station, TX 77845; USA
| | - Yuqing Huo
- Department of Vascular Biology Center, Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kelly McDaniel
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System,Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Heather Francis
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System,Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System,Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas.
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Wilson CL, Mann DA, Borthwick LA. Epigenetic reprogramming in liver fibrosis and cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:124-32. [PMID: 29079534 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Novel insights into the epigenetic control of chronic liver diseases are now emerging. Recent advances in our understanding of the critical roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications and ncRNA may now be exploited to improve management of fibrosis/cirrhosis and cancer. Furthermore, improved technologies for the detection of epigenetic markers from patients' blood and tissues will vastly improve diagnosis, treatment options and prognostic tracking. The aim of this review is to present recent findings from the field of liver epigenetics and to explore their potential for translation into therapeutics to prevent disease promoting epigenome reprogramming and reverse epigenetic changes.
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Nagy LE, Ding WX, Cresci G, Saikia P, Shah VH. Linking Pathogenic Mechanisms of Alcoholic Liver Disease With Clinical Phenotypes. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:1756-68. [PMID: 26919968 PMCID: PMC4887335 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [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: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) develops in approximately 20% of alcoholic patients, with a higher prevalence in females. ALD progression is marked by fatty liver and hepatocyte necrosis, as well as apoptosis, inflammation, regenerating nodules, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.(1) ALD develops via a complex process involving parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, as well as recruitment of other cell types to the liver in response to damage and inflammation. Hepatocytes are damaged by ethanol, via generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hepatocyte cell death via apoptosis and necrosis are markers of ethanol-induced liver injury. We review the mechanisms by which alcohol injures hepatocytes and the response of hepatic sinusoidal cells to alcohol-induced injury. We also discuss how recent insights into the pathogenesis of ALD will affect the treatment and management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Nagy
- Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195,Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Wen-Xing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Gail Cresci
- Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195,Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Paramananda Saikia
- Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195,Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
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Povero D, Panera N, Eguchi A, Johnson CD, Papouchado BG, de Araujo Horcel L, Pinatel EM, Alisi A, Nobili V, Feldstein AE. Lipid-induced hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles regulate hepatic stellate cell via microRNAs targeting PPAR-γ. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 1:646-663.e4. [PMID: 26783552 PMCID: PMC4714359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND&AIMS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in liver fibrosis in various chronic liver disorders including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The development of liver fibrosis requires a phenotypic switch from quiescent to activated HSCs. The triggers for HSCs activation in NAFLD remain poorly understood. We investigated the role and molecular mechanism of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by hepatocytes during lipotoxicity in modulation of HSC phenotype. METHODS EVs were isolated from fat-laden hepatocytes by differential centrifugation and incubated with HSCs. EV internalization and HSCs activation, migration and proliferation were assessed. Loss- and gain-of-functions studies were performed to explore the potential role of PPAR-γ-targeting miRNAs carried by EVs into HSC. RESULTS Hepatocyte-derived EVs released during lipotoxicity are efficiently internalized by HSCs resulting in their activation, as shown by marked up-regulation of pro-fibrogenic genes (Collagen-I, α-SMA and TIMP-2), proliferation, chemotaxis and wound healing responses. These changes were associated with miRNAs shuttled by EVs and suppression of PPAR-γ expression in HSC. Hepatocyte-derived EVs miRNA content included various miRNAs that are known inhibitors of PPAR-γ expression with miR-128-3p being the most effectively transferred. Furthermore loss- and gain-of-function studies identified miR-128-3p as a central modulator of the effects of EVs on PPAR-γ inhibition and HSC activation. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a link between fat-laden hepatocyte-derived EVs and liver fibrosis and have potential implications for the development of novel anti-fibrotic targets for NAFLD and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Povero
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Nadia Panera
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit and Liver Research Unit, Bambino-Gesu’ Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Akiko Eguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Casey D. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Lucas de Araujo Horcel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Centro Universitário Lusiada, Santos, Brazil
| | - Eva M. Pinatel
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit and Liver Research Unit, Bambino-Gesu’ Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit and Liver Research Unit, Bambino-Gesu’ Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ariel E. Feldstein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Ariel E. Feldstein, MD, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition UCSD, 3020 Children’s Way, MC 5030, San Diego, California 92103–8450.
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Florimond A, Chouteau P, Bruscella P, Le Seyec J, Mérour E, Ahnou N, Mallat A, Lotersztajn S, Pawlotsky JM. Human hepatic stellate cells are not permissive for hepatitis C virus entry and replication. Gut 2015; 64:957-65. [PMID: 25063678 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-305634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic HCV infection is associated with the development of hepatic fibrosis. The direct role of HCV in the fibrogenic process is unknown. Specifically, whether HCV is able to infect hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is debated. OBJECTIVE To assess whether human HSCs are susceptible to HCV infection. DESIGN We combined a set of original HCV models, including the infectious genotype 2a JFH1 model (HCVcc), retroviral pseudoparticles expressing the folded HCV genotype 1b envelope glycoproteins (HCVpp) and a subgenomic genotype 1b HCV replicon, and two relevant cellular models, primary human HSCs from different patients and the LX-2 cell line, to assess whether HCV can infect/replicate in HSCs. RESULTS In contrast with the hepatocyte cell line Huh-7, neither infectious HCVcc nor HCVpp infected primary human HSCs or LX-2 cells. The cellular expression of host cellular factors required for HCV entry was high in Huh-7 cells but low in HSCs and LX-2 cells, with the exception of CD81. Finally, replication of a genotype 2a full-length RNA genome and a genotype 1b subgenomic replicon was impaired in primary human HSCs and LX-2 cells, which expressed low levels of cellular factors known to play a key role in the HCV life-cycle, suggesting that human HSCs are not permissive for HCV replication. CONCLUSIONS Human HSCs are refractory to HCV infection. Both HCV entry and replication are deficient in these cells, regardless of the HCV genotype and origin of the cells. Thus, HCV infection of HSCs does not play a role in liver fibrosis. These results do not rule out a direct role of HCV infection of hepatocytes in the fibrogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Florimond
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Chouteau
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Patrice Bruscella
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Jacques Le Seyec
- Inserm U1085, Institut de Recherche Santé Environnement & Travail (IRSET), Rennes, France Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France Fédération de Recherche BIOSIT de Rennes, UMS 3480-US18, Rennes, France
| | - Emilie Mérour
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Nazim Ahnou
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Ariane Mallat
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Inserm UMR 1149-Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- Team 'Pathophysiology and Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis', Inserm U955, Créteil, France Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C, and Delta, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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Arndt S, Wacker E, Dorn C, Koch A, Saugspier M, Thasler WE, Hartmann A, Bosserhoff AK, Hellerbrand C. Enhanced expression of BMP6 inhibits hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Gut 2015; 64:973-81. [PMID: 25011936 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-306968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) has been identified as crucial regulator of iron homeostasis. However, its further role in liver pathology including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of BMP6 in chronic liver disease. DESIGN BMP6 was analysed in hepatic samples from murine models of chronic liver injury and patients with chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, a tissue microarray comprising 110 human liver tissues with different degree of steatosis and inflammation was assessed. BMP6-deficient (BMP6(-/-)) and wild-type mice were compared in two dietary NASH-models, that is, methionine choline-deficient (MCD) and high-fat (HF) diets. RESULTS BMP6 was solely upregulated in NAFLD but not in other murine liver injury models or diseased human livers. In NAFLD, BMP6 expression correlated with hepatic steatosis but not with inflammation or hepatocellular damage. Also, in vitro cellular lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes induced increased BMP6 expression. MCD and HF diets caused more hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in BMP6(-/-) compared with wild-type mice. However, only in the MCD and not in the HF diet model BMP6(-/-) mice developed marked hepatic iron overload, suggesting that further mechanisms are responsible for protective BMP6 effect. In vitro analysis revealed that recombinant BMP6 inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and reduced proinflammatory and profibrogenic gene expression in already activated HSCs. CONCLUSIONS Steatosis-induced upregulation of BMP6 in NAFLD is hepatoprotective. Induction of BMP6-signalling may be a promising antifibrogenic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eva Wacker
- Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Dorn
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Saugspier
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Grosshadern Tissue Bank and Center for Liver Cell Research, Department of Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Abstract
Portal fibroblasts, the resident fibroblasts of the portal tract, are found in the mesenchyme surrounding the bile ducts. Their roles in liver homeostasis and response to injury are undefined and controversial. Although portal fibroblasts almost certainly give rise to myofibroblasts during the development of biliary fibrosis, recent lineage tracing studies suggest that their contribution to fibrogenesis is limited compared with that of hepatic stellate cells. Other functions of portal fibroblasts include participation in the peribiliary stem cell niche, regulation of cholangiocyte proliferation, and deposition of specific matrix proteins. Portal fibroblasts synthesize elastin and other components of microfibrils; these may serve structural roles, providing stability to ducts and the vasculature under conditions of increased ductal pressure, or could regulate the bioavailability of the fibrogenic transforming growth factor β in response to injury. Viewing portal fibroblasts in the context of fibroblast populations throughout the body and studying their niche-specific roles in matrix deposition and epithelial regulation could yield new insights into their contributions in the normal and injured liver. Understanding the functions of portal fibroblasts will require us to view them as more than just an alternative to hepatic stellate cells in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G. Wells
- Departments of Medicine (GI) and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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