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Mun K, Han J, Roh P, Park J, Kim G, Hur W, Jang J, Choi J, Yoon S, You Y, Choi H, Sung P. Isolation and characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Liver Cancer 2023; 23:341-349. [PMID: 37488925 PMCID: PMC10565539 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.04.30] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an immunosuppressive role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers; however, their characteristics and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated. METHODS Nine tumor and surrounding liver tissue samples from patients with HCC who underwent surgery were used to isolate patient-derived CAFs. Cell morphology was observed using an optical microscope after culture, and cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Cytokines secreted by CAFs into culture medium were quantified using a multiplex cytokine assay. RESULTS CAFs were abundant in the TME of HCC and were adjacent to immune cells. After culture, the CAFs and non-tumor fibroblasts exhibited spindle shapes. We observed a robust expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein in CAFs, whereas alpha-fetoprotein, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-cadherin were not expressed in CAFs. Furthermore, CAFs showed high secretion of various cytokines, namely C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2. CONCLUSIONS CAFs are abundant in the TME of HCC and play a crucial role in tumor progression. These fibroblasts secrete cytokines that promote tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungdo Mun
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiwon Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pureun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jonggeun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gahee Kim
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease Research, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jeongwon Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongyoung Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungkew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngkyoung You
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojoong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pilsoo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Jeong GH, Nam MK, Hur W, Heo S, Lee S, Choi E, Park JH, Park Y, Kim WU, Rhim H, Yoo SA. Role of high-temperature requirement serine protease A 2 in rheumatoid inflammation. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:96. [PMID: 37287073 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-temperature requirement serine protease A 2 (HtrA2) is known to be involved in growth, unfolded protein response to stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. However, whether HtrA2 controls inflammation and immune response remains elusive. METHODS Expression of HtrA2 in the synovial tissue of patients was examined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentrations of HtrA2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Synoviocyte survival was assessed by MTT assay. For the downregulation of HtrA2 transcripts, cells were transfected with HtrA2 siRNA. RESULTS We found that the concentration of HtrA2 was elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) than in osteoarthritis (OA) SF, and its concentrations were correlated with the number of immune cells in the RA SF. Interestingly, HtrA2 levels in the SF of RA patients were elevated in proportion to synovitis severity and correlated with the expression of proinflammation cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2. In addition, HtrA2 was highly expressed in RA synovium and primary synoviocytes. RA synoviocytes released HtrA2 when stimulated with ER stress inducers. Knockdown of HtrA2 inhibited the IL1β-, TNFα-, and LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by RA synoviocytes. CONCLUSION HtrA2 is a novel inflammatory mediator and a potential target for the development of an anti-inflammation therapy for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Heon Jeong
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Nam
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Chronic Viral Diseases, Center for Emerging Virus Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seolhee Heo
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Saseong Lee
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunbyeol Choi
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Youngjae Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyangshuk Rhim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Yoo
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Roh PR, Kim SM, Kang BY, Mun KD, Park JG, Kang MW, Hur W, Han JW, Nam H, Yoon SK, Sung PS. Tenofovir alafenamide alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by blocking the phosphorylation of AKT in intrahepatic mononuclear phagocytes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Kang BY, Kim SM, Hur W, Roh PR, Han JW, Sung PS, Tak E, Kim WJ, Jin L, Chun HJ, Yoon SK. Enhanced Tumoricidal Immune Responses by Transarterial Chemotherapy Using Novel Nanocomplexes in a Rat Liver Cancer Model. Anticancer Res 2022; 42:3463-3473. [PMID: 35790297 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.15833] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induce immunogenic cell death and a tumor-specific immune response, but infiltration and activation of immune cells in the liver have not been clearly described. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or transarterial chemotherapy (TAC) without embolization have been used to treat intermediate or advanced stage HCC patients. The identification of intrahepatic immune cell changes after locoregional therapy provides a theoretical basis for the combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in HCC. This study aimed to determine the anticancer effect and changes in the liver immune cell population and function after direct injection of polymerized phenylboronic acid-conjugated doxorubicin (pPBA-Dox) nanocomplexes into the liver through TAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS pPBA-Dox nanocomplexes were delivered directly to the liver cancer in a rat model by transarterial methods. Anticancer effect was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the immune cell population and functional changes were confirmed by flow cytometry (FACS). RESULTS We first established a rat liver cancer model by implanting McA-RH7777 into rats and confirmed the formation of liver cancer through MRI, pathological examinations, and biochemical tests. Transarterial injection of pPBA-Dox nanocomplexes had a stronger anticancer effect than conventional Dox alone. Higher numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with activated phenotypes were infiltrated into the tumor microenvironment after transarterial pPBA-Dox treatments than after Dox alone treatment, suggesting the induction of stronger local immune responses by pPBA-Dox than Dox alone. CONCLUSION This study provides a theoretical basis for TAC combined with ICIs and insight into novel targeted therapies using nanocomplexes for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Pu Reun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Tak
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jong Chun
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea;
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Lee HL, Lee J, Cha JH, Cho S, Sung PS, Hur W, Yoon SK, Bae SH. Anti-fibrotic effects of branched-chain amino acids on hepatic stellate cells. Korean J Intern Med 2022; 37:53-62. [PMID: 32872742 PMCID: PMC8747913 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2020.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) have low levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). There is accumulating evidence that BCAAs have anti- fibrotic effects in cirrhosis. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of BCAAs on the function and phenotype of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS LX-2, an immortalized human stellate cell line, was used in in vitro experiments. LX-2 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and BCAAs or to valine, leucine, and isoleucine, which are components of BCAAs. Activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in LX-2 cells was observed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. RESULTS The increased expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) was observed in LX-2 cells activated by TGF-β1. After BCAA treatment, its expression was significantly decreased at the mRNA level. The increased expression of Col1α1 and TIMP2 at the mRNA level and alpha smooth muscle actin at the protein level in activated LX-2 cells decreased after BCAA treatment. Among the BCAA components, leucine and valine significantly abrogated TGF-β-induced activation of LX-2 cells. BCAA treatment led to the decreased phosphorylation of Smad2 and p38 proteins, which are markers for Smad and Smad-independent p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, respectively. CONCLUSION BCAA treatment can improve hepatic fibrosis by directly affecting the activated state of hepatic stellate cells through inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Among BCAA components, leucine and valine mainly abrogated TGF-β-induced activation of HSCs. Our results suggest that BCAA may be used to attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Lim Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Cha
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Cho
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Lee SW, Kim SM, Hur W, Kang BY, Lee HL, Nam H, Yoo SH, Sung PS, Kwon JH, Jang JW, Kim SJ, Yoon SK. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate directly ameliorates liver fibrosis by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via downregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261067. [PMID: 34879114 PMCID: PMC8654182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antifibrotic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis has not been developed so far. Long term treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with antiviral drugs tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) results in the regression of liver fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the direct impact of TDF and ETV on liver fibrosis. Methods Activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) cell lines were used to evaluate the effects of TDF and ETV. After treatment with each antiviral agent, cell viability, morphology, apoptotic features, autophagy and antifibrosis signalling pathways were examined. Then, collagen deposition, fibrosis markers and activated HSCs were measured in liver tissues of the liver fibrosis model mice. Results After TDF treatment, the viabilities of LX2 and HSC-T6 cells were decreased, and the cells exhibited apoptotic features, but ETV did not induce these effects. Cleavage of PARP and Caspase-3 and the inhibition of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-xl indicated activated HSC apoptosis following TDF treatment. TDF simultaneously increased autophagy, which also regulated apoptosis through crosstalk. TDF inactivated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which was associated with the activation of both apoptosis and autophagy. In the liver fibrosis mouse model, the fibrotic area and activated HSC markers were decreased by TDF but not ETV treatment. Additionally, apoptotic cells were concentrated in the periportal fibrotic area after TDF treatment, which indicated the specific antifibrotic effect of TDF. Conclusions TDF directly ameliorates liver fibrosis by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which results in the apoptosis of activated HSCs. The antifibrotic effects of TDF indicate that it may be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Won Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Lim Lee
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hong Yoo
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Kim HS, Kim JS, Park NR, Nam H, Sung PS, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Hur W, Jang JW. Exosomal miR-125b Exerts Anti-Metastatic Properties and Predicts Early Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637247. [PMID: 34386414 PMCID: PMC8354570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Cancer metastasis is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. Exosomal miRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers for cancer, serving as signaling molecules that can regulate tumor growth and metastasis. This study examined circulating exosomal miRNAs that could predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Methods Exosomal miRNA was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in a large set of patients (n = 284). To investigate the role of exosomal miRNA in HCC, we performed a series of in vitro tests, such as exosome labeling, qRT-PCR, reverse transcription PCR, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and Western blot assay. Results Exosomal miR-125b was drastically downregulated in HCC patients with metastasis than in those without metastasis. In vitro, we observed the uptake of miR-125b by exosome in recipient cells. Exosome-mediated miR-125b significantly inhibited migration and invasion abilities and downregulated the mRNA expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14 in recipient cells via intercellular communication. Further investigation revealed that miR-125b suppressed SMAD2 protein expression in recipient cells by binding to its 3' untranslated regions. Exosome-mediated miR-125b transfer also disrupted TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway in recipient cells by leading to a decrease of SMAD2 protein expression. Moreover, exosomal miR-125b was downregulated after metastasis compared with that at baseline in patients with serial measurements before and after metastasis. Conclusions The results imply that exosome-mediated miR-125b exerts anti-metastatic properties in HCC. These findings highlight that circulating exosomal miR-125b might represent a reliable biomarker with diagnostic and therapeutic implications for extrahepatic metastasis from HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Seon Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Seoub Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Na Ri Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Chronic Viral Disease, Center for Emerging Virus Research, National Institute of Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, South Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Lee GW, Hur W, Kim JH, Park DJ, Kim SM, Kang BY, Sung PS, Yoon SK. Nardostachys jatamansi Root Extract Attenuates Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Inhibition of ERK/STAT3 Pathways. Anticancer Res 2021; 41:1883-1893. [PMID: 33813393 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14954] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent disease and treatment is limited. Therefore, development of new therapeutic agents is urgent. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects of Nardostachys jatamansi root extract (NJRE) against HCC and underlying mechanisms involved in such effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effects of NJRE on viability of HCC cell lines were determined by MTT analysis and annexin/PI apoptosis assays. Expression levels of proteins in MAPK and STAT3 pathways and caspase-3 and PARP after treatment with NJRE in HCC cell lines were determined by western blotting. In a syngeneic model using mouse HCC cells Hepa1-6, inhibition of tumor formation after oral administration of NJRE was determined and expression levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-STAT3 in liver tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS NJRE reduced the activation of STAT3 by inhibiting the expression of ERK and finally attenuated the proliferation of HCC. CONCLUSION NJRE has anti-cancer effects against HCC. It has potential to be used in the treatment of human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Mim Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kim GW, Imam H, Khan M, Mir SA, Kim SJ, Yoon SK, Hur W, Siddiqui A. HBV-Induced Increased N6 Methyladenosine Modification of PTEN RNA Affects Innate Immunity and Contributes to HCC. Hepatology 2021; 73:533-547. [PMID: 32394474 PMCID: PMC7655655 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [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: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Epitranscriptomic modification of RNA has emerged as the most prevalent form of regulation of gene expression that affects development, differentiation, metabolism, viral infections, and most notably cancer. We have previously shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcripts are modified by N6 methyladenosine (m6 A) addition. HBV also affects m6 A modification of several host RNAs, including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a well-known tumor suppressor. PTEN plays a critical role in antiviral innate immunity and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reports have shown that PTEN controlled interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) nuclear localization by negative phosphorylation of IRF-3 at Ser97, and PTEN reduced carcinogenesis by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we show that HBV significantly increases the m6 A modification of PTEN RNA, which contributes to its instability with a corresponding decrease in PTEN protein levels. This is reversed in cells in which the expression of m6 A methyltransferases is silenced. PTEN expression directly increases activated IRF-3 nuclear import and subsequent interferon synthesis. In the absence of PTEN, IRF-3 dephosphorylation at the Ser97 site is decreased and interferon synthesis is crippled. In chronic HBV patient biopsy samples, m6 A-modified PTEN mRNA levels were uniformly up-regulated with a concomitant decrease of PTEN mRNA levels. HBV gene expression also activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by regulating PTEN mRNA stability in HCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS The m6 A epitranscriptomic regulation of PTEN by HBV affects innate immunity by inhibiting IRF-3 nuclear import and the development of HCC by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our studies collectively provide new insights into the mechanisms of HBV-directed immune evasion and HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis through m6 A modification of the host PTEN mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Hasan Imam
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Mohsin Khan
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Saiful Anam Mir
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus InfectionKorea Research Institute of Chemical TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research CenterCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea.,Division of HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's HospitalCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research CenterCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Aleem Siddiqui
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
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Lee EB, Sung PS, Kim JH, Park DJ, Hur W, Yoon SK. microRNA-99a Restricts Replication of Hepatitis C Virus by Targeting mTOR and de novo Lipogenesis. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070696. [PMID: 32605105 PMCID: PMC7411587 DOI: 10.3390/v12070696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-99a (miR-99a) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and lipogenesis in hepatocytes. Cell-culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) infection caused down-regulation of miR-99a in Huh-7 cells, and the relative levels of miR-99a were significantly lower in the sera of the HCV-infected patients than in those of healthy controls. Transfection of miR-99a-5p mimics resulted in a decrease in the intracellular and secreted HCV RNA levels. It also caused a decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein level and phosphorylation of its downstream targets in HCV-replicating cells. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c expression and intracellular lipid accumulation decreased when either miR-99a-5p mimics or si-mTOR was transfected in oleic acid-treated Huh-7 cells. Overexpression of mTOR rescued HCV RNA replication and lipid droplet accumulation in miR-99a-5p mimics-transfected HCV replicon cells. Our data demonstrated that miR-99a ameliorates intracellular lipid accumulation by regulating mTOR/SREBP-1c and causes inefficient replication and packaging of intracellular HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Dong Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (E.B.L.); (P.S.S.); (J.-H.K.); (D.J.P.); (W.H.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2258-2073; Fax: +82-2-3481-4025
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11
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Lee J, Seo G, Hur W, Yoon SK, Nam SW, Lee JH. SRSF3 Depletion Leads to an Increase in SF3B4 Expression in SNU-368 HCC Cells. Anticancer Res 2020; 40:2033-2042. [PMID: 32234894 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SF3B4, a critical component of U2 pre-mRNA spliceosomal complex, has been recently indicated as a potential oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited information exists on how SF3B4 expression is regulated in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS To determine the regulatory factor for SF3B4 expression, small interfering RNA (siRNA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting assay were performed. The in vivo expression profiles of SRSF3 and SF3B4 were analyzed using public datasets and clinical samples. RESULTS Among 10 liver-specific splicing factors, only SRSF3 knockdown resulted in a significant increase in SF3B4 mRNA and consequently protein levels in SNU-368 HCC cells, probably via the retardation of SF3B4 mRNA decay rates. Using green fluorescent protein-SF3B4 fusion construct, the coding region of SF3B4 was found to be involved in SRSF3-mediated regulation of SF3B4 expression. Publicly available data from paired normal and tumor tissues in HCC and results from patients with HCC suggest that SRSF3 and SF3B4 possess an inverse relationship. CONCLUSION SRSF3 is a key molecule for determining SF3B4 levels in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,The Institute of Aging and Metabolic Diseases, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwanwoo Seo
- Department of Biochemistry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,The Institute of Aging and Metabolic Diseases, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Woo Nam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea .,The Institute of Aging and Metabolic Diseases, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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12
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Lee EB, Kim JH, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim SM, Park DJ, Kang BY, Lee GW, Yoon SK. Liver-specific Gene Delivery Using Engineered Virus-Like Particles of Hepatitis E Virus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1616. [PMID: 30733562 PMCID: PMC6367430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38533-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) possess great potential for organ-specific transport of therapeutic agents due to their central cavity surrounded by viral capsid proteins and similar tropism to their original viruses. The N-terminal truncated second open reading frame (Nt-ORF2) of the hepatotropic hepatitis E virus (HEV) forms VLPs via self-assembly. In the present study, we investigated whether HEV-LPs could deliver foreign genes specifically to the liver. HEV-LPs were obtained from Nt-ORF2 expression in Huh7 cells that were transduced with recombinant baculoviruses and purified by continuous density gradient centrifugation. The purified HEV-LPs efficiently penetrated liver-derived cell lines and the liver tissues. To evaluate HEV-LPs as gene delivery tools, we encapsulated foreign plasmids in HEV-LPs with disassembly/reassembly systems. Green fluorescence was detected at higher frequency in liver-derived Huh7 cells treated with HEV-LPs bearing GFP-encoding plasmids than in control cells. Additionally, HEV-LPs bearing Bax-encoding plasmids induced apoptotic signatures in Huh7 cells. In conclusion, HEV-LPs produced in mammalian cells can encapsulate foreign genes in their central cavity and specifically transport these genes to liver-derived cells, where they are expressed. The present study could contribute to advances in liver-targeted gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- am SCIENCES, C-912, SK V1 GL Metrocity, 128, Beobwonro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05854, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- 1014, A Building Gangseo-Hangang-Xi Tower 401 Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 157-801, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Gil Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Hong SW, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim JH, Hwang D, Yoon SK. Role of ADAM17 in invasion and migration of CD133-expressing liver cancer stem cells after irradiation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:23482-97. [PMID: 26993601 PMCID: PMC5029641 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the biological role of CD133-expressing liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) enriched after irradiation of Huh7 cells in cell invasion and migration. We also explored whether a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) influences the metastatic potential of CSC-enriched hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells after irradiation. A CD133-expressing Huh7 cell subpopulation showed greater resistance to sublethal irradiation and specifically enhanced cell invasion and migration capabilities. We also demonstrated that the radiation-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzyme activities as well as the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor were increased more predominantly in Huh7CD133+ cell subpopulations than Huh7CD133− cell subpopulations. Furthermore, we showed that silencing ADAM17 significantly inhibited the migration and invasiveness of enriched Huh7CD133+ cells after irradiation; moreover, Notch signaling was significantly reduced in irradiated CD133-expressing liver CSCs following stable knockdown of the ADAM17 gene. In conclusion, our findings indicate that CD133-expressing liver CSCs have considerable metastatic capabilities after irradiation of HCC cells, and their metastatic capabilities might be maintained by ADAM17. Therefore, suppression of ADAM17 shows promise for improving the efficiency of current radiotherapies and reducing the metastatic potential of liver CSCs during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Hwang
- Department of New Biology and Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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14
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Hong SW, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim JH, Hwang D, Yoon SK. Role of ADAM17 in invasion and migration of CD133-expressing liver cancer stem cells after irradiation. Oncotarget 2018. [PMID: 26993601 DOI: 0.18632/oncotarget.8112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the biological role of CD133-expressing liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) enriched after irradiation of Huh7 cells in cell invasion and migration. We also explored whether a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) influences the metastatic potential of CSC-enriched hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells after irradiation. A CD133-expressing Huh7 cell subpopulation showed greater resistance to sublethal irradiation and specifically enhanced cell invasion and migration capabilities. We also demonstrated that the radiation-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzyme activities as well as the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor were increased more predominantly in Huh7CD133+ cell subpopulations than Huh7CD133- cell subpopulations. Furthermore, we showed that silencing ADAM17 significantly inhibited the migration and invasiveness of enriched Huh7CD133+ cells after irradiation; moreover, Notch signaling was significantly reduced in irradiated CD133-expressing liver CSCs following stable knockdown of the ADAM17 gene. In conclusion, our findings indicate that CD133-expressing liver CSCs have considerable metastatic capabilities after irradiation of HCC cells, and their metastatic capabilities might be maintained by ADAM17. Therefore, suppression of ADAM17 shows promise for improving the efficiency of current radiotherapies and reducing the metastatic potential of liver CSCs during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Hwang
- Department of New Biology and Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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15
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Hur W, Yoon SK. Molecular Pathogenesis of Radiation-Induced Cell Toxicity in Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122749. [PMID: 29258244 PMCID: PMC5751348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is an effective cancer therapy, but damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumor due to radiotherapy causes severe complications. The importance of the therapeutic area between tumor suppression and normal tissue injury has long been highlighted in radiation therapy. Recent advances in stem cell biology have shown that stem cell (SC) responses to genotoxic stresses of ionizing radiation can improve the therapeutic effect of radiation by repairing damaged cells. In contrast, cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation of cells within tumors, are generally resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and cause tumor recurrence. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood in detail, efforts are still underway to identify SC treatment or CSC resistant pathogenesis of DNA damage agents such as radiation therapy. In response to radiation, CSCs differ from normal SCs in their biological properties due to severe deregulation of the self-renewal ability in CSCs. Differences of cleavage mode, cell cycle characteristics, replication potential, and activation/inactivation of DNA damage treatment and cancer-specific molecular pathways between normal SCs and CSCs confer a malignant phenotype upon CSCs. However, further studies are needed to identify normal SC and CSC-specific targets. In this review, we summarize the current advances in research regarding how normal SCs and CSCs respond to ionizing radiation, with a special emphasis on cell toxicity, radiosensitivity, signaling networks, DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair. In addition, we discuss strategies to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for predicting responses to cancer treatment and overcoming radiation-related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
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Li TZ, Kim SM, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim JH, Hong SW, Lee EB, Lee JH, Yoon SK. Elk-3 Contributes to the Progression of Liver Fibrosis by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Gut Liver 2017; 11:102-111. [PMID: 27538444 PMCID: PMC5221867 DOI: 10.5009/gnl15566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The role of Elk-3 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during liver fibrogenesis remains unclear. Here, we determined the expression of Elk-3 in in vitro and in vivo models and in human liver fibrotic tissues. We also investigated the molecular relationships among Elk-3, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway during EMT in hepatocytes. Methods We established anin vitro EMT model in which normal mouse hepatocyte cell lines were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Characteristics of EMT were determined by evaluating the expression levels of related markers. The expression of Elk-3 and its target Egr-1 were analyzed using Western blotting. Gene silencing of Elk-3 was performed using an siRNA knockdown system. Results The expression levels of mesenchymal markers were increased during TGF-β1-induced EMT of hepatocytes. The expression levels of Elk-3 and Egr-1 were significantly (p<0.05) increased during the EMT of hepatocytes, in CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues, and in human liver cirrhotic tissues. Silencing of Elk-3 and inhibition of the Ras-Elk-3 pathway with an inhibitor suppressed the expression of EMT-related markers. Moreover, Elk-3 expression was regulated by p38 MAPK phosphorylation during EMT. Conclusions Elk-3 contributes to the progression of liver fibrosis by modulating the EMT via the regulation of Egr-1 under MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhu Li
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chifeng University School of Medical Science, Chifeng, China
| | - Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kim SM, Choi JE, Hur W, Kim JH, Hong SW, Lee EB, Lee JH, Li TZ, Sung PS, Yoon SK. RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (ROR-γ) Mediates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Of Hepatocytes During Hepatic Fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2026-2036. [PMID: 27791279 PMCID: PMC5488206 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in many different types of cellular behavior, including liver fibrosis. In this report, we studied a novel function of RAR‐related orphan receptor gamma (ROR‐γ) in hepatocyte EMT during liver fibrosis. To induce EMT in vitro, primary hepatocytes and FL83B cells were treated with TGF‐β1. Expression of ROR‐γ was analyzed by Western blot in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. To verify the role of ROR‐γ in hepatocyte EMT, we silenced ROR‐γ in FL83B cells using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector. The therapeutic effect of ROR‐γ silencing was investigated in a mouse model of TAA‐induced fibrosis by hydrodynamic injection of plasmids. ROR‐γ expression was elevated in hepatocyte cells treated with TGF‐β1, and ROR‐γ protein levels were elevated in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. Knockdown of ROR‐γ resulted in the attenuation of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in hepatocytes. Strikingly, ROR‐γ bound to ROR‐specific DNA response elements (ROREs) in the promoter region of TGF‐β type I receptor (Tgfbr1) and Smad2, resulting in the downregulation of Tgfbr1 and Smad2 after silencing of ROR‐γ. Therapeutic delivery of shRNA against ROR‐γ attenuated hepatocyte EMT and ameliorated liver fibrosis in a mouse model of TAA‐induced liver fibrosis. Overall, our results suggest that ROR‐γ regulates TGF‐β‐induced EMT in hepatocytes during liver fibrosis. We suggest that ROR‐γ may become a potential therapeutic target in treating liver fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2026–2036, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Tian Zhu Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, School of Medical Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
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Kim JH, Sung PS, Lee EB, Hur W, Park DJ, Shin EC, Windisch MP, Yoon SK. GRIM-19 Restricts HCV Replication by Attenuating Intracellular Lipid Accumulation. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:576. [PMID: 28443075 PMCID: PMC5387058 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19) targets multiple signaling pathways involved in cell death and growth. However, the role of GRIM-19 in the pathogenesis of hepatitis virus infections remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the restrictive effects of GRIM-19 on the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We found that GRIM-19 protein levels were reduced in HCV-infected Huh7 cells and Huh7 cells harboring HCV replicons. Moreover, ectopically expressed GRIM-19 caused a reduction in both intracellular viral RNA levels and secreted viruses in HCVcc-infected cell cultures. The restrictive effect on HCV replication was restored by treatment with siRNA against GRIM-19. Interestingly, GRIM-19 overexpression did not alter the level of phosphorylated STAT3 or its subcellular distribution. Strikingly, forced expression of GRIM-19 attenuated an increase in intracellular lipid droplets after oleic acid (OA) treatment or HCVcc infection. GRIM-19 overexpression abrogated fatty acid-induced upregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1c), resulting in attenuated expression of its target genes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Treatment with OA or overexpression of SREBP-1c in GRIM-19-expressing, HCVcc-infected cells restored HCV replication. Our results suggest that GRIM-19 interferes with HCV replication by attenuating intracellular lipid accumulation and therefore is an anti-viral host factor that could be a promising target for HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
| | - Pil S Sung
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun B Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
| | - Dong J Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeon, South Korea
| | - Marc P Windisch
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Discovery Biology Department, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-siGyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Seung K Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
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Park CH, Kim JH, Lee EB, Hur W, Kwon OJ, Park HJ, Yoon SK. Aronia melanocarpa Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism through PPARγ2 Downregulation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169685. [PMID: 28081181 PMCID: PMC5230775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Studies have demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich foods may improve hyperlipidemia and ameliorate hepatic steatosis. Here, effects of Aronia melanocarpa (AM), known to be rich of anthocyanins, on hepatic lipid metabolism and adipogenic genes were determined. AM was treated to C57BL/6N mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) or to FL83B cells treated with free fatty acid (FFA). Changes in levels of lipids, enzymes and hormones were observed, and expressions of adipogenic genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism were detected by PCR, Western blotting and luciferase assay. In mice, AM significantly reduced the body and liver weight, lipid accumulation in the liver, and levels of biochemical markers such as fatty acid synthase, hepatic triglyceride and leptin. Serum transaminases, indicators for hepatocyte injury, were also suppressed, while superoxide dismutase activity and liver antioxidant capacity were significantly increased. In FL83B cells, AM significantly reduced FFA-induced lipid droplet accumulation. Protein synthesis of an adipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) was inhibited in vivo. Furthermore, transcriptional activity of PPARγ2 was down-regulated in vitro, and mRNA expression of PPARγ2 and its downstream target genes, adipocyte protein 2 and lipoprotein lipase were down-regulated by AM both in vitro and in vivo. These results show beneficial effects of AM against hepatic lipid accumulation through the inhibition of PPARγ2 expression along with improvements in body weight, liver functions, lipid profiles and antioxidant capacity suggesting the potential therapeutic efficacy of AM on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hwa Park
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center (CULRC), The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center (CULRC), The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center (CULRC), The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center (CULRC), The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Oh-Joo Kwon
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center (CULRC), The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Lee JH, Hur W, Hong SW, Kim JH, Kim SM, Lee EB, Yoon SK. ELK3 promotes the migration and invasion of liver cancer stem cells by targeting HIF-1α. Oncol Rep 2016; 37:813-822. [PMID: 27959451 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common solid cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. HCC develops via a multistep process associated with genetic aberrations that facilitate HCC invasion and migration and promote metastasis. A growing body of evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Despite the extremely small proportion of cancer cells represented by this subpopulation of HCC cells, CSCs play a key role in cancer metastasis and poor prognosis. ELK3 (Net/SAP-2/Erp) is a transcription factor that is activated by the Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. It plays several important roles in various physiological processes, including cell migration, invasion, wound healing, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. In the present study, we investigated the role of ELK3 in cancer cell invasion and metastasis in CD133+/CD44+ liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). We isolated LCSCs expressing CD133 and CD44 from Huh7 HCC cells and evaluated their metastatic potential using invasion and migration assays. We found that CD133+/CD44+ cells had increased metastatic potential compared with non-CD133+/CD44+ cells. We also demonstrated that ELK3 expression was upregulated in CD133+/CD44+ cells and that this aberration enhanced cell migration and invasion. In addition, we identified the molecular mechanism by which ELK3 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion. We found that silencing of ELK3 expression in CD133+/CD44+ LCSCs attenuated their metastatic potential by modulating the expression of heat shock-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α). Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that ELK3 overexpression promoted metastasis in CD133+/CD44+ cells by regulating HIF-1α expression and that silencing of ELK3 expression attenuated the metastatic potential of CD133+/CD44+ LCSCs. In conclusion, modulation of ELK3 expression may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing HCC metastasis and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Park NR, Cha JH, Jang JW, Bae SH, Jang B, Kim JH, Hur W, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Synergistic effects of CD44 and TGF-β1 through AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling during epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 477:568-574. [PMID: 27320862 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is strongly correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a central role. CD44 has emerged as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker that strongly induces EMT together with TGF-β1. This study aimed to investigate the link between high CD44 and TGF-β1 levels during EMT in HCC cell lines. FACS analysis showed high expression of CD44 in TGF-β1-positive SNU-368 cells and TGF-β1-negative SNU-354 cells. SNU-368 CD44(+) cells showed EMT through up-regulation of the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. By comparison, SNU-354 CD44(+) cells showed only increased N-cadherin expression, which was not accompanied by a decrease in E-cadherin expression, and also down-regulated the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. However, TGF-β1-stimulated SNU-354 cells (CD44/TGF-β1(+)) exhibited lower E-cadherin and higher N-cadherin expression with increased AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway activity. CD44/TGF-β1(+) SNU-354 cells also showed enhanced migration and formed larger spheres, while the TGF-β1-induced stem cell properties returned to their original state with the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542. SB431542-treated SNU-368 (CD44/TGF-β1(-)) cells also showed diminished N-cadherin and AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway activity and further decreased cell motility in a wound healing assay. However, CD44 knockdown in SNU-354 cells did not induce EMT even after treatment with TGF-β1. Finally, double inhibition of both CD44 and TGF-β1 further decreased migration and sphere formation more strongly than a single inhibition in SNU-368 cells. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated the synergistic interactions between CD44 and TGF-β1 in EMT induction and CSC properties through the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ri Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Cha
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bohyun Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Hur W, Lee JH, Kim SW, Kim JH, Bae SH, Kim M, Hwang D, Kim YS, Park T, Um SJ, Song BJ, Yoon SK. Downregulation of microRNA-451 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis inhibits fatty acid-induced proinflammatory cytokine production through the AMPK/AKT pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 64:265-76. [PMID: 25957914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms associated with the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain unclear. We attempted to identify the pattern of altered gene expression at different time points in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mouse model. The early up-regulated genes are mainly involved in the innate immune responses, while the late up-regulated genes represent the inflammation processes. Although recent studies have shown that microRNAs play important roles in hepatic metabolic functions, the pivotal role of microRNAs in the progression of NAFLD is not fully understood. We investigated the functions of miR-451, which was identified as a target gene in the inflammatory process in NAFLD. miR-451 expression was significantly decreased in the palmitate (PA)-exposed HepG2 cells and in liver tissues of HFD-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice. Its decreased expressions were also observed in liver specimens of NASH patients. In vitro analysis of the effect of miR-451 on proinflammatory cytokine provided evidence for negative regulation of PA-induced interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Furthermore, miR-451 over-expression inhibited translocation of the PA-induced NF-κB p65 subunit into the nucleus. Our result showed that Cab39 is a direct target of miRNA-451 in steatotic cells. Further study showed that AMPK activated through Cab39 inhibits NF-κB transactivation induced in steatotic HepG2 cells. miR-451 over-expression in steatotic cells significantly suppressed PA-induced inflammatory cytokine. These results provide new insights into the negative regulation of miR-451 in fatty acid-induced inflammation via the AMPK/AKT pathway and demonstrate potential therapeutic applications for miR-451 in preventing the progression from simple steatosis to severely advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minhyung Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea; Department of New Biology and Center for Plant Aging Research, Institute for Basic Science, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon, Soon Chun Hyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taesun Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soo-Jong Um
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology/Institute of Bioscience, Sejong University, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Choi JE, Kwon JH, Kim JH, Hur W, Sung PS, Choi SW, Yoon SK. Suppression of dual specificity phosphatase I expression inhibits hepatitis C virus replication. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119172. [PMID: 25798824 PMCID: PMC4370512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It was reported that dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) is specifically upregulated in the liver of patients with chronic hetpatitis C virus (HCV) infection who do not respond to peginterferon (PegIFN) treatment. Here, we have investigated the role of DUSP1 in HCV replication in hepatoma cells stably expressing the full HCV replicon (FK). DUSP1 was silenced in cells harboring the FK replicon using a lentiviral vector encoding a DUSP1-specific short hairpin RNA (LV-shDUSP1). We demonstrated that knock-down of DUSP1 significantly inhibited HCV RNA and protein expression. Also, DUSP1 silencing enhanced the expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (phosho-STAT1) and facilitated the translocation of STAT1 into the nucleus. The mRNA expression levels of myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), ISG15 ubiquitin-like modifier (ISG15), chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10), and ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) were also accelerated by silencing of DUSP1. Furthermore, combined with the IFN treatment, DUSP1 silencing synergistically decreased the levels of HCV RNA. These results suggest that suppression of DUSP1 expression enhances phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1, resulting in increasing expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which synergizes with IFN's antiviral effect against HCV. In conclusion, DUSP1 is involved in the antiviral host defense mechanism against a HCV infection and thus DUSP1 might be a target to treat chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republuc of Korea
| | - Sang Wook Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Paul Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Brown adipocytes are a specialized cell type that is critical for adaptive thermogenesis, energy homeostasis, and metabolism. In response to cold, both classical brown fat and the newly identified "beige" or "brite" cells are activated by β-adrenergic signaling and catabolize stored lipids and carbohydrates to produce heat via UCP1. Once thought to be non-existent in adults, recent studies have discovered active classical brown and beige fat cells in humans, thus reinvigorating interest in brown and beige adipocytes. This review will focus on the newly discovered transcription factors and microRNAs that specify and orchestrate the classical brown and beige fat cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hong Park
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sean Bong Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- *Correspondence: Sean Bong Lee, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue Room 808, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA,
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25
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Kim KS, Hong SW, Kim H, Cho M, Kim S, Hur W, Yun SH, Yoon SK, Hahn SK. Hyaluronate–Flt1 peptide conjugate/epirubicin micelles for theranostic application to liver cancers. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra07464a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We successfully developed hyaluronate–Flt1 peptide conjugate/epirubicin micelles for theranostic applications to the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Su Kim
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Cho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Daejeon 305-338
- Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Yun
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Seoul 137-701
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang
- Republic of Korea
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26
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Yim GJ, Cheong YW, Hong JH, Hur W. The role of each compartment in a two-compartment vertical flow reactor for ferruginous mine water treatment. Water Res 2014; 62:11-19. [PMID: 24929991 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.05.016] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A vertical flow reactor (VFR) has been suggested for remediation of ferruginous mine drainage that passes down through an accreting bed of ochre. However, a VFR has a limited operation time until the system begins to overflow. In this study, a mathematical model was developed as a part of the effort to explore the operation of a VFR, showing dynamic changes in the head differences, ochre depths, and Fe(II)/Fe(III) concentrations in the effluent flow. The analysis showed that VFR operation time extended from 148.5 days to 163 days in an equally divided and to 168.4 days in asymmetrically (0.72:0.28) divided two-compartment VFR, suggesting that an optimum compartment ratio exists that maximizes the VFR operation time. A constant head filtration in the first compartment maximized filtration efficiency and thus prolonged VFR longevity in the two-compartment VFR. Fe(II) oxidation and ochre formation should be balanced with the permeability of the ochre bed to maximize the VFR operation time and minimize the residual Fe(II) in the effluent. Accelerated Fe(II) oxidation affected the optimum ratio of the compartment area and reduced the residual Fe(II) in the effluent. The VFR operation time can be prolonged significantly from 764 days to 3620 days by increasing the rate of ochre formation, much more than by accelerating the Fe(II) oxidation. During the prolonged VFR operation, ochre formed largely in the first compartment, while overflowing mine water with reduced iron content was effectively filtered in the second compartment. These results not only provide a better understanding of VFR operation but also suggest the direction of evolution of two-compartment VFR toward a compact and highly efficient facility integrated with an aerated cascade and with automatic coagulant feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Yim
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, 92 Gwahang-no, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-350, Republic of Korea
| | - Y W Cheong
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, 92 Gwahang-no, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-350, Republic of Korea
| | - J H Hong
- Mine Reclamation Corporation, 389-14 Seonghwan-eup Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do 331-803, Republic of Korea
| | - W Hur
- Dept. of Bioengineering and Technology, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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Lee YK, Hur W, Lee SW, Hong SW, Kim SW, Choi JE, Yoon SK. Knockdown of 14-3-3ζ enhances radiosensitivity and radio-induced apoptosis in CD133(+) liver cancer stem cells. Exp Mol Med 2014; 46:e77. [PMID: 24556826 PMCID: PMC3944442 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2013.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
14-3-3ζ is related to many cancer survival cellular processes. In a previous study, we showed that silencing 14-3-3ζ decreases the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether silencing 14-3-3ζ affects the radioresistance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in HCC. Knockdown of 14-3-3ζ decreased cell viability and the number of spheres by reducing radioresistance in CSCs after γ-irradiation (IR). Furthermore, the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins were upregulated in CSCs via silencing 14-3-3ζ after IR. These results suggest that 14-3-3ζ knockdown enhances radio-induced apoptosis by reducing radioresistance in liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ki Lee
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral hepatitis, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Park UH, Seong MR, Kim EJ, Hur W, Kim SW, Yoon SK, Um SJ. Reciprocal regulation of LXRα activity by ASXL1 and ASXL2 in lipogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 443:489-94. [PMID: 24321552 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.11.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, plays a pivotal role in hepatic cholesterol and lipid metabolism, regulating the expression of genes associated with hepatic lipogenesis. The additional sex comb-like (ASXL) family was postulated to regulate chromatin function. Here, we investigate the roles of ASXL1 and ASXL2 in regulating LXRα activity. We found that ASXL1 suppressed ligand-induced LXRα transcriptional activity, whereas ASXL2 increased LXRα activity through direct interaction in the presence of the ligand. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed ligand-dependent recruitment of ASXLs to ABCA1 promoters, like LXRα. Knockdown studies indicated that ASXL1 inhibits, while ASXL2 increases, lipid accumulation in H4IIE cells, similar to their roles in transcriptional regulation. We also found that ASXL1 expression increases under fasting conditions, and decreases in insulin-treated H4IIE cells and the livers of high-fat diet-fed mice. Overall, these results support the reciprocal role of the ASXL family in lipid homeostasis through the opposite regulation of LXRα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ui-Hyun Park
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Institute of Bioscience, BK21 Graduate Program, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
| | - Mi-ran Seong
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Institute of Bioscience, BK21 Graduate Program, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, BK21 Graduate Program, Dankook University, Gyeonggi-do 448-701, South Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- Department of Molecular Biology, BK21 Graduate Program, Dankook University, Gyeonggi-do 448-701, South Korea
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, BK21 Graduate Program, Dankook University, Gyeonggi-do 448-701, South Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center & WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University, College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, South Korea
| | - Soo-Jong Um
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Institute of Bioscience, BK21 Graduate Program, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, South Korea.
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Choi Y, Kwak D, Lee H, Hur W, Cho W, Sung G, Kim T, Kim S, Yun S. Prostate Intrafraction Motion During Image Guided Radiation Therapy After Rectal Emptying. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.06.1784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Kim YS, Jung ES, Hur W, Bae SH, Choi JY, Song MJ, Kim CW, Jo SH, Lee CD, Lee YS, Choi SW, Yang JM, Jang JW, Kim SG, Jung SW, Kim HK, Chae HB, Yoon SK. Noninvasive predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in Korean patients with histologically proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2013; 19:120-30. [PMID: 23837136 PMCID: PMC3701844 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2013.19.2.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The aims of this study were (1) to identify the useful clinical parameters of noninvasive approach for distinguishing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and (2) to determine whether the levels of the identified parameters are correlated with the severity of liver injury in patients with NASH. Methods One hundred and eight consecutive patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD (age, 39.8±13.5 years, mean±SD; males, 67.6%) were prospectively enrolled from 10 participating centers across Korea. Results According to the original criteria for NAFLD subtypes, 67 patients (62.0%) had NASH (defined as steatosis with hepatocellular ballooning and/or Mallory-Denk bodies or fibrosis ≥2). Among those with NAFLD subtype 3 or 4, none had an NAFLD histologic activity score (NAS) below 3 points, 40.3% had a score of 3 or 4 points, and 59.7% had a score >4 points. Fragmented cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) levels were positively correlated with NAS (r=0.401), as well as NAS components such as lobular inflammation (r=0.387) and ballooning (r=0.231). Fragmented CK-18 was also correlated with aspartate aminotransferase (r=0.609), alanine aminotransferase (r=0.588), serum ferritin (r=0.432), and the fibrosis stage (r=0.314). A fragmented CK-18 cutoff level of 235.5 U/L yielded sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 69.0%, 64.9%, 75.5% (95% CI 62.4-85.1), and 57.1% (95% CI 42.2-70.9), respectively, for the diagnosis of NASH. Conclusions Serum fragmented CK-18 levels can be used to distinguish between NASH and NAFL. Further evaluation is required to determine whether the combined measurement of serum CK-18 and ferritin levels improves the diagnostic performance of this distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon, Soon Chun Hyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
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Lee MY, Yang JA, Jung HS, Beack S, Choi JE, Hur W, Koo H, Kim K, Yoon SK, Hahn SK. Hyaluronic acid-gold nanoparticle/interferon α complex for targeted treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. ACS Nano 2012; 6:9522-31. [PMID: 23092111 DOI: 10.1021/nn302538y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively investigated as an emerging delivery carrier of various biopharmaceuticals. Instead of nonspecific polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated interferon α (IFNα) for the clinical treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in this work, a target-specific long-acting delivery system of IFNα was successfully developed using the hybrid materials of AuNP and hyaluronic acid (HA). The HA-AuNP/IFNα complex was prepared by chemical binding of thiolated HA and physical binding of IFNα to AuNP. According to antiproliferation tests in Daudi cells, the HA-AuNP/IFNα complex showed a comparable biological activity to PEG-Intron with a highly enhanced stability in human serum. Even 7 days postinjection, HA-AuNP/IFNα complex was target-specifically delivered and remained in the murine liver tissue, whereas IFNα and PEG-Intron were not detected in the liver. Accordingly, HA-AuNP/IFNα complex significantly enhanced the expression of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) for innate immune responses to viral infection in the liver tissue, which was much higher than those by IFNα, PEG-Intron, and AuNP/IFNα complex. Taken together, the target-specific HA-AuNP/IFNα complex was thought to be successfully applied to the systemic treatment of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk 790-784, Korea
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Kim D, Lyoo KS, Smith D, Hur W, Hong SW, Sung PS, Yoon SK, Mehta S. Number of mutations within CTL-defined epitopes of the hepatitis B Virus (HBV) core region is associated with HBV disease progression. J Med Virol 2012; 83:2082-7. [PMID: 22012714 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.22226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The virologic determinants of progressive liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remain unclear. Previous investigations have associated HBV disease with specific mutations but this association may be confounded by HBV genotype, HLA haplotype of the infected individual or both. The association between non-synonymous mutations located within putative cytotoxic T-lymphocyte directed epitopes (CDE) of the HBV core region and disease states was investigated. Subjects infected with HBV were enrolled from a clinical cohort in Seoul, Korea, and HBV core gene sequences were analyzed for mutational patterns inside and outside of CDE with respect to subject demographics and HBV-related disease states. No specific mutation or pattern of mutations were associated with progressive disease states; however, individuals with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma had greater numbers of non-synonymous mutations within CDE when compared to those with chronic HBV infection who were HBeAg positive (P = 0.007 and 0.026, respectively). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HBV disease progression is associated with viral escape mutations that are a marker of CTL activity. These data suggest that the number of non-synonymous mutations in the HBV core region may predict HBV disease progression better than any single mutation or pattern of mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kim
- University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Lyoo K, Song MJ, Hur W, Choi JE, Hong SW, Kim CW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Choi SW, Shin EC, Yoon SK. Polymorphism near the IL28B gene in Korean hepatitis C virus-infected patients treated with peg-interferon plus ribavirin. J Clin Virol 2011; 52:363-6. [PMID: 21907615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the IL28B gene have recently been described as predictors of antiviral therapy responses in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-1. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between genetic variation near the IL28B gene and treatment outcome prediction in Korean patients receiving peg-interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy. STUDY DESIGN The allelic discrimination assay by Taqman real-time PCR was developed to determine genotypes of SNPs, rs12979860 and rs8099917, which were analyzed in 65 Korean patients with HCV genotype-1. RESULTS For rs12979860, the frequency of patients with sustained virological response (SVR) was 70.2% in those with the CC genotype and 25% in those with the CT genotype. Early virological response (EVR) in patients with the CC genotype (84.2%) was higher than in those with the CT genotype (25.0%). For rs8099917, patients with the TT genotype showed significantly higher in SVR and EVR than those with the TG/GG genotype (69.6% vs 33.3% and 82.1% vs 44.4%, respectively). With regards to the genotype frequency of the SNPs, the homozygous genotypes for rs12979860 (CC) or rs8099917 (TT) in Korean patients showed a significantly higher frequency as compared with other ethnicities; Caucasians, African-American, Hispanic, and Japanese. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the genotypes rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT were more frequently observed in Korean patients compared to other ethnicities, and suggest that the genetic characteristics of patients may be prognostic factor that predicts antiviral response to PEG-IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangsoo Lyoo
- Department of Internal Medicine and WHO Collaborating Center on Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-040 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Piao LS, Hur W, Kim TK, Hong SW, Kim SW, Choi JE, Sung PS, Song MJ, Lee BC, Hwang D, Yoon SK. CD133+ liver cancer stem cells modulate radioresistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2011; 315:129-37. [PMID: 22079466 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CD133 is a cancer stem-cell (CSC) marker associated with radioresistance and chemoresistance in various cancers. In the present study, CD133-expressing liver cancer cells following radiation exposure showed higher activation of MAPK/PI3K signaling pathway and reduction in reactive oxygen species levels compared to CD133- cells. The in vivo study with a xenograft model showed increased tumor formation in irradiated CD133+ cell-injected nude mice compared to the CD133- group, suggesting that CD133 contributes to radioresistance in HCC. Therefore, CD133-expressing liver cancer cells have anti-apoptotic and radioresistance properties that may be useful to improve anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy/radiotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Shu Piao
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Ribosomal proteins (RP) play key roles in the regulation of apoptosis, multidrug resistance and carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of ribosomal protein L36 (RPL36) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to correlate it with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcome. Liver specimens were obtained from 60 HCC patients who had undergone a partial hepatectomy. Expression of RPL36 in tumor tissue and surrounding non-tumorous tissues was evaluated on a tissue microarray by immunohistochemistry. RPL36 was expressed in 45 of 60 (75%) HCC by immunohistochemistry, but was not detected in corresponding non-tumors. RPL36 expression correlated significantly with serum levels of albumin (P= 0.044) and prothrombin time (P= 0.026), which reflect liver synthetic function. Moreover, expression of RPL36 was found to be higher in patients with early tumor stages (I/II) (P= 0.038) or without portal vein thrombosis (P= 0.005). In univariate analysis, patients with RPL36 expression revealed better overall survival (P= 0.037). By multivariate survival analysis, RPL36 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P= 0.026). Our data suggest that RPL36 may be involved in the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis, and it can be used as an independent and potential prognostic marker for resected HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong Jun Song
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Bae SH, Oh SH, Yoon SK, Park JA, Kim GD, Hur W, Choi JY, Oh IH, Yoon KH. Proliferation of Hepatic Oval Cells via Cyclooxygenase-2 and Extracellular Matrix Protein Signaling during Liver Regeneration Following 2-AAF/Partial Hepatectomy in Rats. Gut Liver 2011; 5:367-76. [PMID: 21927668 PMCID: PMC3166680 DOI: 10.5009/gnl.2011.5.3.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS In the 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)/70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) model, the mechanism underlying the differentiation of activated hepatic oval cells (HOCs) into hepatocytes and bile ductile cells is unclear. We investigated the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in HOCs and the relationship between COX-2 and extracellular matrix proteins in cellular proliferation. METHODS Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blotting were used to assess COX-2 expression. The co-localization of COX-2 with Thy1, c-Met, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, and α-smooth muscle actin was also examined. Additionally, we investigated whether connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin (FN), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (P-ERK1/2), and AKT were expressed in HOCs. RESULTS The expression of COX-2, prostaglandin E2 receptors, and c-Met was upregulated in HOCs. However, HOCs treated with the COX-2 inhibitor NS398 showed decreased COX-2, CTGF, FN, and AKT expression, whereas P-ERK1/2 was unaffected. Additionally, NS398 inhibited HOC proliferation, but not the proliferation of HOCs cultured on FN-coated dishes. Furthermore, the proliferative response of HOCs treated with NS398 was reversed by hepatic growth factor treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that HOC proliferation is mediated through COX-2, extracellular FN expression, and AKT activation. Thus, COX-2 plays an important role in HOC proliferation following acute injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Park K, Hong SW, Hur W, Lee MY, Yang JA, Kim SW, Yoon SK, Hahn S. Target specific systemic delivery of TGF-β siRNA/(PEI-SS)-g-HA complex for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4951-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lee DH, Kwon JS, Lee HJ, Lee YN, Hur W, Hong YH, Lee JB, Park SY, Choi IS, Song CS. Inactivated H9N2 avian influenza virus vaccine with gel-primed and mineral oil-boosted regimen could produce improved immune response in broiler breeders. Poult Sci 2011; 90:1020-2. [PMID: 21489949 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequent economic losses incurred with H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAI) infection have raised serious concerns for the poultry industry. A 1-dose regimen with inactivated H9N2 LPAI vaccine could not prevent vaccinated poultry from becoming infected and from shedding wild viruses. A study was conducted to determine whether a 2-dose regimen of inactivated H9N2 LPAI vaccine could enhance the immunologic response in chickens. Such gel-primed and mineral oil-boosted regimen has produced encouraging results associated with improved immune responses to an H9N2 LPAI. This strategy could be cost effective and helpful for preventing avian influenza virus in the poultry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- D-H Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ahn S, Choi Y, Lee H, Hur W, Kwak J, Yoon M, Shin D, Lee S, Park S. SU-E-T-356: Intensity Modification of Small Diameter Proton Beam for Proton Radiosurgery. Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3612310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Lyoo KS, Hong SW, Song MJ, Hur W, Choi JE, Piao LS, Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Park JW, Choi SW, Yoon SK. Subgenotype and genetic variability in the precore/core regions of hepatitis B virus in Korean patients with chronic liver disease. Intervirology 2011; 54:333-8. [PMID: 21346309 DOI: 10.1159/000321359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes, the spectrum of mutations in the precore/core region through phylogenetic analysis, and the relevance of viral characteristics in disease progression in Korean patients. METHODS 133 patients with chronic HBV infection were enrolled. The precore and core region of HBV was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed for subgenotyping and the changes of nucleotides and amino acid were compared in liver disease stages. RESULTS HBV/C2 subgenotype was predominant in chronic HBV carriers (98.5%), followed by HBV/A2 (0.75%) and HBV/C7 (0.75%). The mutations of the precore region were not different between liver disease stages. However, amino acid changes in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope (p < 0.020), CD4+ T cell epitope (p < 0.027), or B cell epitope (p < 0.029) were significantly higher in liver cirrhosis patients than in chronic hepatitis patients, but not in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. CONCLUSION HBV/C2 is the most prevalent subgenotype in Korea, and HBV/C7 subgenotype found in the Philippines was first identified in the Korean population. Mutations in immune epitopes within the core gene were significantly associated with disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Soo Lyoo
- Department of Internal Medicine and WHO Collaborating Center on Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Choi JE, Hur W, Jung CK, Piao LS, Lyoo K, Hong SW, Kim SW, Yoon HY, Yoon SK. Silencing of 14-3-3ζ over-expression in hepatocellular carcinoma inhibits tumor growth and enhances chemosensitivity to cis-diammined dichloridoplatium. Cancer Lett 2011; 303:99-107. [PMID: 21334806 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 01/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The 14-3-3ζ protein plays a key role in regulation of cellular processes. In the present study, we showed that 14-3-3ζ protein was significantly overexpressed in hepatoma cell lines and human tumorous tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Knockdown with RNA interference in hepatoma cell lines with high 14-3-3ζ expression suppressed tumor cell proliferation via activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38/MAPK. Furthermore, suppression of 14-3-3ζ enhanced the anti-cancer effect of cis-diammined dichloridoplatium (CDDP) in hepatoma cell lines. These results suggest that silencing of 14-3-3ζ may be an attractive target for HCC therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Choi
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
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Kim SA, Baek JH, Lee SJ, Choi SY, Hur W, Lee SY. A novel method for air drying aloe leaf slices by covering with filter papers as a shrink-proof layer. J Food Sci 2010; 74:E462-70. [PMID: 20492108 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To prevent the shrinkage of aloe vera slices during air drying, a method utilizing a shrink-proof layer was developed. The sample was configured of whole leaf aloe slices, where 1 side or both sides were covered with filter papers as shrink-proof layers. After air drying by varying the air temperature and the slice thickness, the drying characteristics, as well as several quality factors of the dried aloe vera leaf slices, were analyzed. In the simulation of the drying curves, the modified Page model showed the best fitness, representing a diffusion-controlled drying mechanism. Nonetheless, there was a trace of a constant-rate drying period in the samples dried by the method. Shrinkage was greatly reduced, and the rehydration ratios increased by approximately 50%. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the surface structure of original fibrous form was well sustained. FT-IR characteristics showed that the dried samples could sustain aloe polysaccharide acetylation. Furthermore, the functional properties of the dried slices including water holding capacity, swelling, and fat absorption capability were improved, and polysaccharide retention levels increased by 20% to 30%. Therefore, we concluded that application of shrink-proof layers on aloe slices provides a novel way to overcome the shrinkage problems commonly found in air drying, thereby improving their functional properties with less cost. Practical Application: This research article demonstrates a novel air drying method using shrink-proof layers to prevent the shrinkage of aloe slices. We analyzed extensively the characteristics of shrinkage mechanism and physical properties of aloe flesh gels in this drying system. We concluded that this method can be a beneficial means to retain the functional properties of dried aloe, and a potential alternative to freeze drying, which is still costly.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Kim
- KJM Aloe R&D Center, nr 1511 Klants-techno Building, Sang-dae-won-dong, Sung-nam, Korea
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Abstract
Background/aim To determine if overexpression of the glaucoma gene MYOC is involved in the development of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and if its promoter variants are associated with glaucoma in the Korean population. Methods Human trabecular meshwork cells were cultured in the presence of ophthalmic steroids such as fluorometholone, fluorometholone acetate, dexamethasone, prednisolone acetate and rimexolone. The cells were cultured at a hydrostatic pressure of 32 mm Hg above atmospheric pressure and induction of MYOC was evaluated by northern blot analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from 74 normal controls and 168 unrelated Korean patients with OAG, including primary OAG, normal tension glaucoma and steroid-induced glaucoma. A 461 base pair (bp) DNA fragment of the MYOC promoter region was amplified using PCR and its genotype was analysed by directly sequencing the product. Results The potencies of steroid eye drops in MYOC induction in vitro was the same regardless of their potential for elevating intraocular pressure in vivo. Hydrostatic pressure had no effect on MYOC induction. A dinucleotide repeat polymorphism and three single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, but no obvious differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequency of the variants between the control group and any type of OAG were observed. Conclusion Our data suggest that MYOC overexpression is not a cause or an effect of intraocular pressure elevation and that MYOC itself is not associated with OAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongsoo Sohn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-710, South Korea
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Kim KS, Hur W, Park SJ, Hong SW, Choi JE, Goh EJ, Yoon SK, Hahn SK. Bioimaging for targeted delivery of hyaluronic Acid derivatives to the livers in cirrhotic mice using quantum dots. ACS Nano 2010; 4:3005-14. [PMID: 20518553 DOI: 10.1021/nn100589y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis is one of the representative liver diseases with a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the past decades, many kinds of antifibrotic compounds have been investigated in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. In this work, real-time bioimaging of hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives was carried out using quantum dots (QDots) to assess the possibility of HA derivatives as target-specific drug delivery carriers for the treatment of liver diseases. HA-QDot conjugates with an HA modification degree of about 22 mol % was synthesized by amide bond formation between carboxyl groups of QDots and amine groups of adipic acid dihydrazide modified HA (HA-ADH). According to in vitro cell culture tests, HA-QDot conjugates were taken up more to the cells causing chronic liver diseases such as hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) and hepatoma cells (HepG2) than normal hepatocytes (FL83B). After tail-vein injection, HA-QDot conjugates were target-specific, being delivered to the cirrhotic liver with a slow clearance longer than 8 days. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analyses of dissected liver tissues revealed the target-specific delivery of HA derivatives to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and HSC. The results were thought to reflect the feasibility of HA derivatives as novel drug delivery carriers for the treatment of various chronic liver diseases including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Su Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk 790-784, Korea
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Hur W, Rhim H, Jung CK, Kim JD, Bae SH, Jang JW, Yang JM, Oh ST, Kim DG, Wang HJ, Lee SB, Yoon SK. SOX4 overexpression regulates the p53-mediated apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical implication and functional analysis in vitro. Carcinogenesis 2010; 31:1298-307. [PMID: 20400479 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgq072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The underlying molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poorly understood due to its complex development process. The human T cell-specific transcription factor sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group (HMG) box 4 (SOX4) has been linked to development and tumorigenesis. In this study, we characterized the roles of SOX4 in regulation of the p53 transcription activity and evaluated the expression patterns and prognostic value of the transcription factor SOX4 in HCC. METHODS The expression levels of human SOX4 were examined in HCC samples obtained from 58 patients having curative partial hepatectomy. The interaction and effects of SOX4 on the p53 pathway were assessed in HCC cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay to examine p53-mediated transcription of target genes was performed. The association of SOX4 expression level with tumor recurrence and overall survival was evaluated. RESULTS We showed that the HMG box domain of SOX4 interacted with p53, resulting in the inhibition of p53-mediated transcription by the Bax promoter. More importantly, SOX4 overexpression led to a significant repression of p53-induced Bax expression and subsequent repression of p53-mediated apoptosis induced by gamma-irradiation. In clinicopathological analysis, nuclear overexpression of SOX4 was observed in 37 out of 58 (63.8%) HCC samples, and this correlated with diminished risk of recurrence (P = 0.014) and improved overall survival time (P = 0.045) in HCC patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that SOX4 contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting p53-mediated apoptosis and that its overexpression might be a useful prognostic marker for survival after surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhee Hur
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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Kim MS, Yoon SK, Bollig F, Kitagaki J, Hur W, Whye NJ, Wu YP, Rivera MN, Park JY, Kim HS, Malik K, Bell DW, Englert C, Perantoni AO, Lee SB. A novel Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) target gene negatively regulates the WNT signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:14585-93. [PMID: 20220130 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.094334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian kidney development requires the functions of the Wilms tumor gene WT1 and the WNT/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Recent studies have shown that WT1 negatively regulates WNT/beta-catenin signaling, but the molecular mechanisms by which WT1 inhibits WNT/beta-catenin signaling are not completely understood. In this study, we identified a gene, CXXC5, which we have renamed WID (WT1-induced Inhibitor of Dishevelled), as a novel WT1 transcriptional target that negatively regulates WNT/beta-catenin signaling. WT1 activates WID transcription through the upstream enhancer region. In the developing kidney, Wid and Wt1 are coexpressed in podocytes of maturing nephrons. Structure-function analysis demonstrated that WID interacts with Dishevelled via its C-terminal CXXC zinc finger and Dishevelled binding domains and potently inhibits WNT/beta-catenin signaling in vitro and in vivo. WID is evolutionarily conserved, and ablation of wid in zebrafish embryos with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides perturbs embryonic kidney development. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the WT1 negatively regulates WNT/beta-catenin pathway via its target gene WID and further suggest a role for WID in nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Shin Kim
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Choi Y, Lee H, Hur W, Kim K, Song Y, Kim S, Kim D, Hong Y. Negative Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is Associated with Improved Survival in Glioblastoma Patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.07.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kim SY, Hur W, Choi JE, Kim D, Wang JS, Yoon HY, Piao LS, Yoon SK. Functional characterization of human oncoprotein gankyrin in Zebrafish. Exp Mol Med 2009; 41:8-16. [PMID: 19287195 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2009.41.1.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Gankyrin is an oncoprotein containing seven ankyrin repeats that is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gankyrin binds to Mdm2, which results in accelerated ubiquitylation via degradation of p53, and it also plays an important role in cell proliferation. However, little is known about the relationships between p53 levels, cell proliferation, and gankyrin over-expression. In order to investigate the influence of gankyrin protein on p53 and Mdm2 in a zebrafish model, we injected human gankyrin (hgankyrin) containing expression vectors (pCS2-hgankyrin, pCS2- hgankyrin-EGFP) into zebrafish embryos. To measure p53 and Mdm2 expression in hgankyrin-injected embryos, RT-PCR, Northern blot and in-situ hybridization and BrdU immunostaining were used. In addition, to know the effect of hgankyrin on cell proliferation in vitro, cell viability assays such as MTT, trypan blue staining and RT-PCR following transfection of hgankyrin-containing vector into HEK 293 cell line were performed. In vivo results indicated that p53 mRNA levels decreased but those of Mdm2 were not decreased in the presence of hgankyrin. These results suggest that gankyrin downregulates p53 expression and not Mdm2 expression. In the study of cell proliferation, BrdU-positive cells were predominantly increased in the head and tail regions in hgankyrin-injected zebrafish. Additional in vitro studies using trypan blue staining and MTT assay showed that gankyrin-expressing HEK 293 cells proliferated at a faster rate, indicating that gankyrin promotes cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that hgankyrin overexpression downregulates p53 expression and promotes cell proliferation in zebrafish. Gankyrin may play an important role in tumorigenesis via its effects on p53 and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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Lee YC, Hur W, Choi JE, Piao LS, Hong SW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Analysis of Gene Expression in Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Differentially Displayed Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Korean J Gastroenterol 2009; 53:361-8. [DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2009.53.6.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Chun Lee
- Integrative Research Support Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lian Shu Piao
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Choi JE, Hur W, Shin JY, Piao LS, Yoon SK. [In vitro culture of hepatitis C virus (HCV) using immortalized hepatocyte]. Korean J Gastroenterol 2008; 52:150-160. [PMID: 19077511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS It is essential to develop an in vitro culture model of primary hepatocytes for the study of hepatocellular function and the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this study, we have established the immortalized primary human hepatocyte (IPHH) and performed in vitro culture of HCV derived from human patient. METHODS Primary human hepatocytes were isolated from surgically resected liver tissue and then were immortalized by transfection with the SV40 large T antigen. The characterization of the IPHH during culture was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and soft agar assay. Next, sera and/or liver tissue homogenates from surgically resected liver tissues of patients with HCV infection were inoculated for the culture of HCV in IPHH. After HCV RNA extraction from IPHH and culture media, positive or negative stranded HCV RNA was examined by specific nest RT-PCR. RESULTS IPHH expressed liver-associated proteins but did not express alpha-fetoprotein. Also IPHH showed ammonia removal activity. With regard to its malignant potential, colony formation in soft agar assay was not observed. Next, positive and negative stranded HCV RNAs in IPHH infected with patient's sera plus liver tissue homogenates were clearly detected whereas those in IPHH infected with only patient's sera were not detected. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated the phenotypic characteristics of IPHH and the feasibility in vitro culture system of HCV infected human samples. This system might be useful for study of pathogenesis of HCV infection or hepatocyte-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Choi
- WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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