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Irshad I, Alqahtani SA, Ikejima K, Yu ML, Romero-Gomez M, Eslam M. Energy metabolism: An emerging therapeutic frontier in liver fibrosis. Ann Hepatol 2025; 30:101896. [PMID: 40057035 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2025.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 03/18/2025]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive response to chronic liver diseases characterized by a wound-healing process that leads to the accumulation of fibrillary extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in and around the liver tissue. If left untreated, liver fibrosis can advance to cirrhosis and ultimately result in liver failure. Although there have been significant advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis, effective therapeutic strategies to reverse or halt the condition remain limited. Recent research has underscored the critical role of energy metabolism in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. In response to liver injury, hepatic cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet the energy demands of myofibroblasts. This reprogramming involves various metabolic changes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in cellular bioenergetics, shifts in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as changes in lipid metabolism. These modifications can disrupt cellular energy homeostasis and increase energy release, activating hepatic cells, primarily hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Activated HSCs then stimulate fibrogenic pathways, leading to the accumulation of ECM proteins in the liver, which exacerbates the progression of fibrosis. This review aims to explore the emerging connection between energy metabolism and liver fibrosis, focusing on the metabolic alterations and molecular mechanisms that drive this condition. We also examine the therapeutic implications of modulating energy metabolism to reduce energy release and mitigate liver fibrosis. Altering energy metabolism to decrease energy release may represent a promising approach for treating liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Irshad
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Saleh A Alqahtani
- Liver, Digestive, & Lifestyle Health Research Section, and Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenichi Ikejima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Digestive Diseases Department and Ciberehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Sood S, Tiwari A, Sangwan J, Vohra M, Sinha NR, Tripathi R, Sangwan VS, Mohan RR. Role of epigenetics in corneal health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2025; 104:101318. [PMID: 39547455 PMCID: PMC11710990 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics plays a vital role in corneal health and diseases. Epigenetic changes regulate the expression of genes by altering the accessibility of chromatin via histone modifications, DNA methylation and miRNAs without altering DNA sequence. Ocular trauma and infections are common causes of corneal damage, vision impairment, and mono/bilateral blindness worldwide. Mounting literature shows that epigenetic modifications can modulate corneal clarity, function, and pathogenesis including inflammation, wound healing, fibrosis, and neovascularization. Additionally, epigenetic modifications can be targeted to reverse corneal pathologies and develop interventional therapies. However, current understanding on how epigenetic modifications lead to corneal abnormalities and diseases is limited. This review provides in-depth knowledge and mechanistic understanding of epigenetics alterations in corneal pathogenesis, and information on potential epigenetic targets for treatment of corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sood
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anil Tiwari
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Eicher-Shroff Centre for Stem Cells Research (ESC-SCR), Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Sangwan
- Eicher-Shroff Centre for Stem Cells Research (ESC-SCR), Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Mehak Vohra
- Eicher-Shroff Centre for Stem Cells Research (ESC-SCR), Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ratnakar Tripathi
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Virender S Sangwan
- Eicher-Shroff Centre for Stem Cells Research (ESC-SCR), Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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3
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Su L, Bu J, Yu J, Jin M, Meng G, Zhu X. Comprehensive review and updated analysis of DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma: From basic research to clinical application. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e70066. [PMID: 39462685 PMCID: PMC11513202 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.70066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumour, ranking second in global mortality rates and posing significant health threats. Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, have emerged as pivotal factors associated with HCC diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and malignant progression. However, a comprehensive analysis of the DNA methylation mechanism driving HCC progression and its potential as a therapeutic biomarker remains lacking. This review attempts to comprehensively summarise various aspects of DNA methylation, such as its mechanism, detection methods and biomarkers aiding in HCC diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment of HCC. It also explores the role of DNA methylation in regulating HCC's malignant progression and sorafenib resistance, alongside elaborating the therapeutic effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors on HCC. A detailed examination of these aspects underscores the significant research on DNA methylation in tumour cells to elucidate malignant progression mechanisms, identify diagnostic markers and develop new tumour-specific inhibitors for HCC. KEY POINTS: A comprehensive summary of various aspects of DNA methylation, such as its mechanism, detection methods and biomarkers aiding in diagnosis and treatment. The role of DNA methylation in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma's (HCC) malignant progression and sorafenib resistance, alongside elaborating therapeutic effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Deep research on DNA methylation is critical for discovering novel tumour-specific inhibitors for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Su
- Department of Pain ManagementShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Jiawen Bu
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Jiahui Yu
- Department of UltrasoundShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Mila Jin
- Department of Operation RoomThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Guanliang Meng
- Department of UrologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xudong Zhu
- Department of OncologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
- Department of General SurgeryCancer Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
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4
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Jiang L, Koh JHZ, Seah SHY, Dan YS, Wang Z, Chan X, Zhou L, Barathi VA, Hoang QV. Key role for inflammation-related signaling in the pathogenesis of myopia based on evidence from proteomics analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23486. [PMID: 39379387 PMCID: PMC11461836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying myopia pathogenesis are not well understood. Using publicly-available human and animal datasets, we expound on the roles of known, implicated proteins, and new myopia-related signaling pathways were hypothesized. Proteins identified from human serum or ocular fluids, and from ocular tissues in myopic animal models, were uploaded and analyzed with the QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software (March 2023). With each IPA database update, more potentially-relevant proteins and signaling pathways previously unavailable during data acquisition are added, allowing extraction of novel conclusions from existing data. Canonical pathway analysis was used to analyze these data and calculate an IPA activation z-score-which indicates not only whether an association is significant, but also whether the pathway is likely activated or inhibited. Cellular immune response and cytokine signaling were frequently found to be affected in both human and animal myopia studies. Analysis of two publicly-available proteomic datasets highlighted a potential role of the innate immune system and inflammation in myopia development, detailing specific signaling pathways involved such as Granzyme A (GzmA) and S100 family signaling in the retina, and activation of myofibroblast trans-differentiation in the sclera. This perspective in myopia research may facilitate development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Jiang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - James H Z Koh
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Sherlyn H Y Seah
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Shan Dan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Zhaoran Wang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Xavier Chan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Optometry, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Quan V Hoang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Rd, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Dong QQ, Yang Y, Tao H, Lu C, Yang JJ. m6A epitranscriptomic and epigenetic crosstalk in liver fibrosis: Special emphasis on DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111302. [PMID: 39025344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process caused by a variety of chronic liver diseases. Currently, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are very limited, highlighting the urgent need to explore new treatment approaches. Epigenetic modifications and epitranscriptomic modifications, as reversible regulatory mechanisms, are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. In recent years, researches in epitranscriptomics and epigenetics have opened new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms of liver fibrosis may provide valuable insights into the development of new therapies for chronic liver diseases. This review primarily focus on the regulatory mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation in organ fibrosis. It discusses the interactions between m6A modification and DNA methylation, as well as between m6A modification and non-coding RNA, providing a reference for understanding the interplay between epitranscriptomics and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qi Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Chao Lu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China.
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
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6
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Yang M, Wang D, Wang X, Mei J, Gong Q. Role of Folate in Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2024; 16:1872. [PMID: 38931227 PMCID: PMC11206401 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines and is one of the essential vitamins for human growth and reproduction. Folate deficiency due to low dietary intake, poor absorption of folate, and alterations in folate metabolism due to genetic defects or drug interactions significantly increases the risk of diseases such as neural tube defects, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that folate deficiency can cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and that high homocysteine levels are an independent risk factor for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, folate deficiency results in increased secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and impaired lipid metabolism in the liver, leading to lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and fibrosis. There is substantial evidence that folate deficiency contributes to the development and progression of a variety of liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), viral hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and liver cancer. Here we review key studies on the role of folate in the pathophysiology of liver diseases, summarize the current status of studies on folate in the treatment of liver diseases, and speculate that folate may be a potential therapeutic target for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minlan Yang
- School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, China
| | | | | | | | - Quan Gong
- School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, China
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7
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Osna NA, Tikhanovich I, Ortega-Ribera M, Mueller S, Zheng C, Mueller J, Li S, Sakane S, Weber RCG, Kim HY, Lee W, Ganguly S, Kimura Y, Liu X, Dhar D, Diggle K, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T, Attal N, McKillop IH, Chokshi S, Mahato R, Rasineni K, Szabo G, Kharbanda KK. Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Outcomes: Critical Mechanisms of Liver Injury Progression. Biomolecules 2024; 14:404. [PMID: 38672422 PMCID: PMC11048648 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents a spectrum of liver injury beginning with hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) progressing to inflammation and culminating in cirrhosis. Multiple factors contribute to ALD progression and disease severity. Here, we overview several crucial mechanisms related to ALD end-stage outcome development, such as epigenetic changes, cell death, hemolysis, hepatic stellate cells activation, and hepatic fatty acid binding protein 4. Additionally, in this review, we also present two clinically relevant models using human precision-cut liver slices and hepatic organoids to examine ALD pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Osna
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Irina Tikhanovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.O.-R.); (G.S.)
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
- Viscera AG Bauchmedizin, 83011 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chaowen Zheng
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Johannes Mueller
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Siyuan Li
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Raquel Carvalho Gontijo Weber
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Wonseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Souradipta Ganguly
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Yusuke Kimura
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - David A. Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Neha Attal
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA; (N.A.); (I.H.M.)
| | - Iain H. McKillop
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA; (N.A.); (I.H.M.)
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE59NT, UK;
- School of Microbial Sciences, King’s College, London SE59NT, UK
| | - Ram Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.O.-R.); (G.S.)
| | - Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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8
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Zaidi MB, Khan F, Jameel F, Khan I, Musharraf SG, Salim A. Temporal and differential proteomic profile of molecular mediators associated with chronic and acute wound healing. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3946. [PMID: 38379227 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The underlying pathophysiology of nonhealing chronic wounds is poorly understood due to the changes occurring at the gene level and the complexity arising in their proteomic profile. Here, we elucidated the temporal and differential profile of the normal and diabetic wound-healing mediators along with their interactions and associated pathways. Skin tissues corresponding to normal and diabetic wounds were isolated at Days 0, 3, 6, and 9 representing different healing phases. Temporal gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Concurrently, differential protein patterns in the wound tissues were identified by Nano LC-ESI-TOF mass spectrometry and later confirmed by Western blot analysis. Gene ontology annotation, protein-protein interaction, and protein pathway analysis were performed using DAVID, PANTHER, and STRING bioinformatics resources. Uniquely identified proteins (complement C3, amyloid beta precursor protein, and cytoplasmic linker associated protein 2) in the diabetic wound tissue implied that these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic wound. They exhibit enhanced catalytic activity, trigger pathways linked with inflammation, and negatively regulate wound healing. However, in the normal wound tissue, axin 1, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor were identified, which are involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and remodeling. Our findings demonstrate the correlation between elevated gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and identified mediators: aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, 5'-aminolevulinate synthase 2, and CXC-family, that inflicted an inflammatory response by activating downstream MAPK, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB pathways. Similarly, in normal wound tissue, the upregulated IL-4 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in conjunction with the identified proteins, serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, played a significant role in the cellular response to platelet-derived growth factor stimulus, dermal epithelialization, and cell proliferation, processes associated with the repair mechanism. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced levels of proliferative and angiogenic factors in the diabetic wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midhat Batool Zaidi
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Jameel
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Khan
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Salim
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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9
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Zuo C, Fan P, Yang Y, Hu C. MiR-488-3p facilitates wound healing through CYP1B1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting MeCP2. J Diabetes Investig 2024; 15:145-158. [PMID: 37961023 PMCID: PMC10804895 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic wounds are difficult to heal, but the pathogenesis is unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to play important roles in wound healing. The effect of miR-488-3p in wound healing was studied in this article. MATERIALS AND METHODS The gene methylation was measured by methylation specific PCR (MSP) assay. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was adopted to analyze the interaction between miR-488-3p and MeCP2. RESULTS Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is a monooxygenase belonging to the cytochrome P450 family that aids in wound healing. Our findings showed that the miR-488-3p and CYP1B1 expression levels were much lower in wound tissues of diabetics with skin defects, but the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) level was significantly higher than that in control skin tissues. MiR-488-3p overexpression increased cell proliferation and migration, as well as HUVEC angiogenesis, while inhibiting apoptosis, according to function experiments. In vitro, MeCP2 inhibited wound healing by acting as a target of miR-488-3p. We later discovered that MeCP2 inhibited CYP1B1 expression by enhancing its methylation state. In addition, CYP1B1 knockdown inhibited wound healing. Furthermore, MeCP2 overexpression abolished the promoting effect of miR-488-3p on wound healing. It also turned out that CYP1B1 promoted wound healing by activating the Wnt4/β-catenin pathway. Animal experiments also showed that miR-488-3p overexpression could accelerate wound healing in diabetic male SD rats. CONCLUSIONS MiR-488-3p is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic wound healing since it improved wound healing by activating the CYP1B1-mediated Wnt4/-catenin signaling cascade via MeCP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zuo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Pengju Fan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chengjun Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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10
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Luo J, Zhu WC, Chen QX, Yang CF, Huang BJ, Zhang SJ. A prognostic model based on DNA methylation-related gene expression for predicting overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1171932. [PMID: 38304027 PMCID: PMC10830715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase in morbidity and mortality among all types of cancer. DNA methylation, an important epigenetic modification, is associated with cancer occurrence and progression. The objective of this study was to establish a model based on DNA methylation risk scores for identifying new potential therapeutic targets in HCC and preventing cancer progression. Methods Transcriptomic, clinical, and DNA methylation data on 374 tumor tissues and 50 adjacent normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma database. The gene expression profiles of the GSE54236 liver cancer dataset, which contains data on 161 liver tissue samples, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We analyzed the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression levels after identifying the differentially methylated and expressed genes. Then, we developed and validated a risk score model based on the DNA methylation-driven genes. A tissue array consisting of 30 human hepatocellular carcinoma samples and adjacent normal tissues was used to assess the protein and mRNA expression levels of the marker genes by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Results Three methylation-related differential genes were identified in our study: GLS, MEX3B, and GNA14. The results revealed that their DNA methylation levels were negatively correlated with local gene expression regulation. The gene methylation levels correlated strongly with the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. This was confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical verification of the expression of these genes or proteins in tumors and adjacent tissues. These results revealed the relationship between the level of relevant gene methylation and the prognosis of patients with liver cancer as well as the underlying cellular and biological mechanisms. This allows our gene signature to provide more accurate and appropriate predictions for clinical applications. Conclusion Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we obtained three DNA methylation marker: GLS, MEX3B, and GNA14. This helps to predict the prognosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan-Cui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Fu Yang
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, China
| | - Bi-Jun Huang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Song Y, Kim N, Heo J, Shum D, Heo T, Seo HR. Inhibition of DNMT3B expression in activated hepatic stellate cells overcomes chemoresistance in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38168140 PMCID: PMC10761987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease associated with a plethora of environmental and genetic/hereditary causative risk factors, more so than other oncological indications. Additionally, patients with HCC exhibit fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver-related disease. This complicated etiology can affect the disease course and likely contributes to its poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to improve HCC therapy by evaluating combination treatment using anti-cancer and anti-fibrosis drugs via identification of novel anti-fibrosis drugs. We performed high-throughput screening of 10,000 compounds to identify hepatic fibrosis inhibitors through morphometry analysis of multicellular hepatic spheroid (MCHS) models and identified CHIR-99021 as a candidate anti-fibrotic drug. Treatment with CHIR-99021 induced loss of cell-cell interactions and suppression of extracellular matrix-related protein expression via reprogramming of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in MCHSs. In particular, CHIR-99021 regulated DNMT3B expression only in activated HSCs. Moreover, CHIR-99021 markedly improved the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC- multicellular tumor spheroids in vitro and through induction of apoptosis by decreasing DNMT3B expression in vivo. In summary, these findings suggest that targeting HSC reprogramming by attenuation of DNMT3B expression in the tumor environment might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhwa Song
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjeong Kim
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyeong Heo
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - David Shum
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Taemoo Heo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Feng Y, Guo S, Zhao Y, Dong H, Qian J, Hu Y, Wu L, Jia Y, Zhao R. DNA 5mC and RNA m 6A modification successively facilitates the initiation and perpetuation stages of HSC activation in liver fibrosis progression. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1211-1220. [PMID: 36841889 PMCID: PMC10154415 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are key effector cells in liver fibrosis. Upon stimulation, the quiescent HSC undergoes complex morphological and functional changes to transdifferentiate into activated collagen-producing myofibroblasts. DNA/RNA methylations (5mC/m6A) are both implicated to participate in hepatic fibrosis, yet their respective roles and specific targets in HSC activation remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that 5mC is indispensable for the initiation stage of HSC activation (myofibroblast transdifferentiation), whereas m6A is essential for the perpetuation stage of HSC activation (excessive ECM production). Mechanistically, DNA 5mC hypermethylation on the promoter of SOCS3 and PPARγ genes leads to STAT3-mediated metabolic reprogramming and lipid loss in the initiation stage. RNA m6A hypermethylation on the transcripts of major collagen genes enhances the mRNA stability in a YTHDF1-dependent manner, which contributes to massive ECM production. Vitamin A-coupled YTHDF1 siRNA alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through HSC-specific inhibition of collagen production. HIF-1α, which is transactivated by STAT3, serves as a bridge linking the initiation and the perpetuation stages through transactivating YTHDF1. These findings indicate successive roles of DNA 5mC and RNA m6A modification in the progression of HSC activation, which provides new drug targets for epigenetic therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shihui Guo
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yulan Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Haibo Dong
- Center for Translational Biomedical Research, UNCG, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Jiayu Qian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yun Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lei Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yimin Jia
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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13
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Yano N, Fedulov AV. Targeted DNA Demethylation: Vectors, Effectors and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051334. [PMID: 37239005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation at regulatory cis-elements of particular genes is seen in a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, as well as in cancer, diabetes and others. Thus, approaches for experimental and therapeutic DNA demethylation have a great potential to demonstrate mechanistic importance, and even causality of epigenetic alterations, and may open novel avenues to epigenetic cures. However, existing methods based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors that elicit genome-wide demethylation are not suitable for treatment of diseases with specific epimutations and provide a limited experimental value. Therefore, gene-specific epigenetic editing is a critical approach for epigenetic re-activation of silenced genes. Site-specific demethylation can be achieved by utilizing sequence-dependent DNA-binding molecules such as zinc finger protein array (ZFA), transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9). Synthetic proteins, where these DNA-binding domains are fused with the DNA demethylases such as ten-eleven translocation (Tet) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) enzymes, successfully induced or enhanced transcriptional responsiveness at targeted loci. However, a number of challenges, including the dependence on transgenesis for delivery of the fusion constructs, remain issues to be solved. In this review, we detail current and potential approaches to gene-specific DNA demethylation as a novel epigenetic editing-based therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Yano
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Alexey V Fedulov
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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14
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Alpoim-Moreira J, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Słyszewska M, Rebordão MR, Skarzynski DJ, Ferreira-Dias G. 5-Aza-2′-Deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC, Decitabine) Inhibits Collagen Type I and III Expression in TGF-β1-Treated Equine Endometrial Fibroblasts. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071212. [PMID: 37048467 PMCID: PMC10093662 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrosis negatively affects endometrial function and fertility in mares, due to excessive deposition of type I (COL1) and type III (COL3) collagens. The pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) induces myofibroblast differentiation, characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, and collagen synthesis. In humans, fibrosis has been linked to epigenetic mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been described in mare endometrium. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro epigenetic regulation in TGF-β1-treated mare endometrial fibroblasts and the use of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), an epigenetic modifier, as a putative treatment option for endometrial fibrosis. Methods and Results: The in vitro effects of TGF-β1 and of 5-aza-dC on DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B), COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA transcripts were analyzed in endometrial fibroblasts, and COL1 and COL3 secretion in a co-culture medium. TGF-β1 upregulated DNMT3A transcripts and collagen secretion. In TGF-β1-treated endometrial fibroblasts, DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-dC decreased collagen transcripts and secretion, but not α-SMA transcripts. Conclusion: These findings suggest a possible role of epigenetic mechanisms during equine endometrial fibrogenesis. The in vitro effect of 5-aza-dC on collagen reduction in TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts highlights this epigenetic involvement. This may pave the way to different therapeutic approaches for endometrosis.
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15
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Effendi WI, Nagano T. Epigenetics Approaches toward Precision Medicine for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Focus on DNA Methylation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041047. [PMID: 37189665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic information is not transmitted solely by DNA but by the epigenetics process. Epigenetics describes molecular missing link pathways that could bridge the gap between the genetic background and environmental risk factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Specific epigenetic patterns, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, long non-coding, and microRNA (miRNAs), affect the endophenotypes underlying the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among all the epigenetic marks, DNA methylation modifications have been the most widely studied in IPF. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning DNA methylation changes in pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrates a promising novel epigenetics-based precision medicine.
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16
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Distler JHW, Riemekasten G, Denton CP. The Exciting Future for Scleroderma. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:445-462. [PMID: 37028846 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that a complex interplay between cells and mediators and extracellular matrix factors may underlie the development and persistence of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Similar processes may determine vasculopathy. This article reviews recent progress in understanding how fibrosis becomes profibrotic and how the immune system, vascular, and mesenchymal compartment affect disease development. Early phase trials are informing about pathogenic mechanisms in vivo and reverse translation for observational and randomized trials is allowing hypotheses to be developed and tested. In addition to repurposing already available drugs, these studies are paving the way for the next generation of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK.
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17
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Gauthier V, Kyriazi M, Nefla M, Pucino V, Raza K, Buckley CD, Alsaleh G. Fibroblast heterogeneity: Keystone of tissue homeostasis and pathology in inflammation and ageing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1137659. [PMID: 36926329 PMCID: PMC10011104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts, derived from the embryonic mesenchyme, are a diverse array of cells with roles in development, homeostasis, repair, and disease across tissues. In doing so, fibroblasts maintain micro-environmental homeostasis and create tissue niches by producing a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) including various structural proteins. Although long considered phenotypically homogenous and functionally identical, the emergence of novel technologies such as single cell transcriptomics has allowed the identification of different phenotypic and cellular states to be attributed to fibroblasts, highlighting their role in tissue regulation and inflammation. Therefore, fibroblasts are now recognised as central actors in many diseases, increasing the need to discover new therapies targeting those cells. Herein, we review the phenotypic heterogeneity and functionality of these cells and their roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gauthier
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Kyriazi
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Meriam Nefla
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Pucino
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West, Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D Buckley
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ghada Alsaleh
- Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Zheng J, Wang J, Qin X, Li K, Gao Q, Yang M, Liu H, Li S, Chang X, Sun Y. LncRNA HOTAIRM1 Involved in Nano NiO-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulating PRKCB DNA Methylation-Mediated JNK/c-Jun Pathway. Toxicol Sci 2022; 190:64-78. [PMID: 36066426 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO) lead to pulmonary fibrosis, and the mechanisms are associated with epigenetics. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory relationship among long noncoding RNA HOXA transcript antisense RNA myeloid-specific 1 (HOTAIRM1), DNA methylation and expression of protein kinase C beta (PRKCB), and JNK/c-Jun pathway in Nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, we constructed the rat pulmonary fibrosis model by intratracheal instillation of Nano NiO twice a week for 9 weeks and established the collagen deposition model by treating BEAS-2B cells with Nano NiO for 24 h. Here, the DNA methylation pattern was analyzed by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in rat fibrotic lung tissues. Then, we integrated mRNA transcriptome data and found 93 DNA methylation genes with transcriptional significance. Meanwhile, the data showed that Nano NiO caused the down-regulation of lncRNA HOTAIRM1, the hypomethylation, and up-regulation of PRKCB2, JNK/c-Jun pathway activation, and collagen deposition (the up-regulated Col-I and α-SMA) both in vivo and in vitro. DNMTs inhibitor 5-AZDC attenuated Nano NiO-induced PRKCB2 expression, JNK/c-Jun pathway activation, and collagen deposition, but overexpression of PRKCB2 aggravated the changes mentioned indicators in Nano NiO-induced BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, JNK/c-Jun pathway inhibitor (SP600125) alleviated Nano NiO-induced excessive collagen formation. Additionally, overexpression of HOTAIRM1 restrained the PRKCB hypomethylation, the activation of JNK/c-Jun pathway, and collagen formation induced by Nano NiO in BEAS-2B cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that HOTAIRM1 could arrest Nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the PRKCB DNA methylation-mediated JNK/c-Jun pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfa Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Anthropotomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xin Qin
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Public Health, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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19
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Riemekasten G, Distler JH. A broad look into the future of systemic sclerosis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221109404. [PMID: 35966183 PMCID: PMC9373175 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with the key features of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. This article focussed on emerging fields based on the authors' current work and expertise. The authors provide a hierarchical structure into the studies of the pathogenesis of SSc starting with the contribution of environmental factors. Regulatory autoantibodies (abs) are discussed, which are parts of the human physiology and are specifically dysregulated in SSc. Abs against the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1R) and the endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) are discussed in more detail. Extracellular vesicles are another novel player to possess disease processes. Fibroblasts are a key effector cell in SSc. Therefore, the current review will provide an overview about their plasticity in the phenotype and function. Promising nuclear receptors as key regulators of transcriptional programmes will be introduced as well as epigenetic modifications, which are pivotal to maintain the profibrotic fibroblast phenotype independent of external stimuli. Fibroblasts from SSc patients exhibit a specific signalling and reactivate developmental pathways and stem cell maintenance such as by employing hedgehog and WNT, which promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix generation. Pharmacological interventions, although for other indications, are already in clinical use to address pathologic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical
Immunology, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein and University
of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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20
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Czaja AJ. Epigenetic Aspects and Prospects in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921765. [PMID: 35844554 PMCID: PMC9281562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The observed risk of autoimmune hepatitis exceeds its genetic risk, and epigenetic factors that alter gene expression without changing nucleotide sequence may help explain the disparity. Key objectives of this review are to describe the epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression, discuss how they can affect autoimmune hepatitis, and indicate prospects for improved management. Multiple hypo-methylated genes have been described in the CD4+ and CD19+ T lymphocytes of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and the circulating micro-ribonucleic acids, miR-21 and miR-122, have correlated with laboratory and histological features of liver inflammation. Both epigenetic agents have also correlated inversely with the stage of liver fibrosis. The reduced hepatic concentration of miR-122 in cirrhosis suggests that its deficiency may de-repress the pro-fibrotic prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 gene. Conversely, miR-155 is over-expressed in the liver tissue of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and it may signify active immune-mediated liver injury. Different epigenetic findings have been described in diverse autoimmune and non-autoimmune liver diseases, and these changes may have disease-specificity. They may also be responses to environmental cues or heritable adaptations that distinguish the diseases. Advances in epigenetic editing and methods for blocking micro-ribonucleic acids have improved opportunities to prove causality and develop site-specific, therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, the role of epigenetics in affecting the risk, clinical phenotype, and outcome of autoimmune hepatitis is under-evaluated. Full definition of the epigenome of autoimmune hepatitis promises to enhance understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and satisfy the unmet clinical need to improve therapy for refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- *Correspondence: Albert J. Czaja, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-5024-3065
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21
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Design of a highly potent GLP-1R and GCGR dual-agonist for recovering hepatic fibrosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2443-2461. [PMID: 35646543 PMCID: PMC9136578 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is still no effective curative treatment for the development of late-stage liver fibrosis. Here, we have illustrated that TB001, a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor/glucagon receptor (GLP-1R/GCGR) agonist with higher affinity towards GCGR, could retard the progression of liver fibrosis in various rodent models, with remarkable potency, selectivity, extended half-life and low toxicity. Four types of liver fibrosis animal models which were induced by CCl4, α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT), bile duct ligation (BDL) and Schistosoma japonicum were used in our study. We found that TB001 treatment dose-dependently significantly attenuated liver injury and collagen accumulation in these animal models. In addition to decreased levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation during hepatic injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells was also inhibited via suppression of TGF-β expression as well as downstream Smad signaling pathways particularly in CCl4-and S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis. Moreover, TB001 attenuated liver fibrosis through blocking downstream activation of pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B/NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFκB/IKBα) pathways as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent induction of hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, GLP-1R and/or GCGR knock-down results represented GCGR played an important role in ameliorating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, TB001 can be used as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of multiple causes of hepatic fibrosis demonstrated by our extensive pre-clinical evaluation of TB001.
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Habash NW, Sehrawat TS, Shah VH, Cao S. Epigenetics of alcohol-related liver diseases. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100466. [PMID: 35462859 PMCID: PMC9018389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is a primary cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of ARLD, it remains a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality, emphasising the need to adopt novel approaches to the study of ARLD and its complications. Epigenetic changes are increasingly being recognised as contributing to the pathogenesis of multiple disease states. Harnessing the power of innovative technologies for the study of epigenetics (e.g., next-generation sequencing, DNA methylation assays, histone modification profiling and computational techniques like machine learning) has resulted in a seismic shift in our understanding of the pathophysiology of ARLD. Knowledge of these techniques and advances is of paramount importance for the practicing hepatologist and researchers alike. Accordingly, in this review article we will summarise the current knowledge about alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations in the context of ARLD, including but not limited to, DNA hyper/hypo methylation, histone modifications, changes in non-coding RNA, 3D chromatin architecture and enhancer-promoter interactions. Additionally, we will discuss the state-of-the-art techniques used in the study of ARLD (e.g. single-cell sequencing). We will also highlight the epigenetic regulation of chemokines and their proinflammatory role in the context of ARLD. Lastly, we will examine the clinical applications of epigenetics in the diagnosis and management of ARLD.
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Key Words
- 3C, chromosome conformation capture
- 4C, chromosome conformation capture-on-chip
- AH, alcohol-related hepatitis
- ARLD, alcohol-related liver disease
- ASH, alcohol-related steatohepatitis
- ATAC, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin
- Acetylation
- Alcohol liver disease
- BET, bromodomain and extraterminal motif
- BETi, BET inhibitor
- BRD, bromodomain
- CCL2, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2
- CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor
- CXCL, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand
- Chromatin architecture
- Computational biology
- DNA methylation
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- E-P, enhancer-promoter
- Epidrugs
- Epigenetics
- FKBP5, FK506-binding protein 5
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HDAC, histone deacetylase
- HIF1α, hypoxia inducible factor-1α
- HMGB1, high-mobility group box protein 1
- HNF4α, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Hi-C, chromosome capture followed by high-throughput sequencing
- Histones
- IL, interleukin
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- MALAT1, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
- MECP2, methyl-CpG binding protein 2
- NAFLD, non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- PPARG, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ
- SAA, salvianolic acid A
- SIRT, sirtuin
- SREBPs, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins
- Single cell epigenome
- TAD, topologically associating domain
- TEAD, TEA domain transcription factor
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- YAP, Yes-associated protein
- lncRNA, long non-coding RNA
- miRNA, microRNA
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vijay H. Shah
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Tel. 507-255-6028, fax: 507-255-6318.
| | - Sheng Cao
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Tel. 507-255-6028, fax: 507-255-6318.
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Nguyen VQ, You DG, Kim CH, Kwon S, Um W, Oh BH, An JY, Jeon J, Park JH. An anti-DR5 antibody-curcumin conjugate for the enhanced clearance of activated hepatic stellate cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:1231-1239. [PMID: 34626726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Anti-death receptor 5 (DR5) antibody is a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis because it exhibits anti-fibrotic effects by inducing the apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis. However, the clinical applications of anti-DR5 antibodies have been limited by their low agonistic activity against DR5. In this study, an anti-DR5 antibody-curcumin conjugate (DCC) was prepared to investigate its effect on the clearance of activated HSCs. The DCC was synthesized through a coupling reaction between a maleimide-functionalized curcumin derivative and a thiolated anti-DR5 antibody. No significant differences were observed in the uptake behaviors of activated HSCs between the bare anti-DR5 antibodies and DCC. Owing to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, DCC-treated HSCs produced much lower levels of reactive oxygen species and inducible nitric oxide synthase than the bare anti-DR5 antibody-treated HSCs. Additionally, the anti-fibrotic effects of DCC on activated HSCs were more prominent than those of the bare anti-DR5 antibodies, as demonstrated by the immunocytochemical analysis of α-smooth muscle actin. DCC preferentially accumulated in the liver after its systemic administration to mice with liver fibrosis. Thus, DCC may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Quy Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gil You
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunglee Kwon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Um
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Hoon Oh
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yoon An
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Jeon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Castillo-Castro C, Martagón-Rosado AJ, Ortiz-Lopez R, Garrido-Treviño LF, Villegas-Albo M, Bosques-Padilla FJ. Promising diagnostic biomarkers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: From clinical proteomics to microbiome. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1494-1511. [PMID: 34904026 PMCID: PMC8637675 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver has been present in the lives of patients and physicians for almost two centuries. Vast knowledge has been generated regarding its etiology and consequences, although a long path seeking novel and innovative diagnostic biomarkers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still envisioned. On the one hand, proteomics and lipidomics have emerged as potential noninvasive resources for NAFLD diagnosis. In contrast, metabolomics has been able to distinguish between NAFLD and NASH, even detecting degrees of fibrosis. On the other hand, genetic and epigenetic markers have been useful in monitoring disease progression, eventually functioning as target therapies. Other markers involved in immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are involved in the instauration and evolution of the disease. Finally, the fascinating gut microbiome is significantly involved in NAFLD and NASH. This review presents state-of-the-art biomarkers related to NAFLD and NASH and new promises that could eventually be positioned as diagnostic resources for this disease. As is evident, despite great advances in studying these biomarkers, there is still a long path before they translate into clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandro José Martagón-Rosado
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Rocio Ortiz-Lopez
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
| | | | - Melissa Villegas-Albo
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
| | - Francisco Javier Bosques-Padilla
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
- Centro Regional para el Estudio de las Enfermedades Digestivas, Servicio de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey 64460, Mexico
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25
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Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Petrenko O, Hofer BS, Schwabl P, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Nuclear Receptors in Liver Fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166235. [PMID: 34339839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression of a variety of key molecular signals involved in liver fibrosis. The primary cellular driver of liver fibrogenesis are activated hepatic stellate cells. Different NRs regulate the hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines that promote the transformation of hepatic stellate cells into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Importantly, nuclear receptors regulate gene expression circuits that promote hepatic fibrogenesis and/or allow liver fibrosis regression. In this review, we highlight the direct and indirect influence of nuclear receptors on liver fibrosis, with a focus on hepatic stellate cells, and discuss potential therapeutic effects of nuclear receptor modulation in regard to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research on nuclear receptors-related signaling may lead to the clinical development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies for patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Alcaraz J, Ikemori R, Llorente A, Díaz-Valdivia N, Reguart N, Vizoso M. Epigenetic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts in Lung Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153782. [PMID: 34359678 PMCID: PMC8345093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, partly due to limited therapy responses. New avenues of knowledge are indicating that lung cancer cells do not form a tumor in isolation but rather obtain essential support from their surrounding host tissue rich in altered fibroblasts. Notably, there is growing evidence that tumor progression and even the current limited responses to therapies could be prevented by rescuing the normal behavior of fibroblasts, which are critical housekeepers of normal tissue function. For this purpose, it is key to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathologic alterations of fibroblasts in cancer. This work provides a comprehensive review of the main molecular mechanisms involved in fibroblast transformation based on epigenetic reprogramming, and summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches to prevent or overcome the pathologic effects of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The desmoplastic stroma of lung cancer and other solid tumors is rich in tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) exhibiting an activated/myofibroblast-like phenotype. There is growing awareness that TAFs support key steps of tumor progression and are epigenetically reprogrammed compared to healthy fibroblasts. Although the mechanisms underlying such epigenetic reprogramming are incompletely understood, there is increasing evidence that they involve interactions with either cancer cells, pro-fibrotic cytokines such as TGF-β, the stiffening of the surrounding extracellular matrix, smoking cigarette particles and other environmental cues. These aberrant interactions elicit a global DNA hypomethylation and a selective transcriptional repression through hypermethylation of the TGF-β transcription factor SMAD3 in lung TAFs. Likewise, similar DNA methylation changes have been reported in TAFs from other cancer types, as well as histone core modifications and altered microRNA expression. In this review we summarize the evidence of the epigenetic reprogramming of TAFs, how this reprogramming contributes to the acquisition and maintenance of a tumor-promoting phenotype, and how it provides novel venues for therapeutic intervention, with a special focus on lung TAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Rafael Ikemori
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Alejandro Llorente
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Natalia Díaz-Valdivia
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
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27
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Shi CX, Wang Y, Jiao FZ, Chen Q, Cao P, Pei MH, Zhang LY, Guo J, Deng W, Wang LW, Gong ZJ. Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Macrophage in Chronic Liver Inflammation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:683526. [PMID: 34276405 PMCID: PMC8281248 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.683526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver inflammation is a complex pathological process under different stress conditions, and the roles of stellate cells and macrophages in chronic liver inflammation have been widely reported. Moderate liver inflammation can protect the liver from damage and facilitate the recovery of liver injury. However, an inflammatory response that is too intense can result in massive death of hepatocytes, which leads to irreversible damage to the liver parenchyma. Epigenetic regulation plays a key part in liver inflammation. This study reviews the regulation of epigenetics on stellate cells and macrophages to explore the new mechanisms of epigenetics on liver inflammation and provide new ideas for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xia Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mao-Hua Pei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Yi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Wen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuo-Jiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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28
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Wang F, Malnassy G, Qiu W. The Epigenetic Regulation of Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653037. [PMID: 33791228 PMCID: PMC8005717 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal and complex malignancy strongly influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment. The HCC microenvironment comprises hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), stromal and endothelial cells, and the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Emerging evidence demonstrates that epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in altering numerous components of the HCC tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the microenvironment in HCC. We review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone regulation, and non-coding RNAs mediated regulation) in HSCs, TAMs, and ECM, and how they contribute to HCC development, so as to gain new insights into the treatment of HCC via regulating epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Greg Malnassy
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
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29
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Histone deacetylase inhibitor givinostat alleviates liver fibrosis by regulating hepatic stellate cell activation. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:305. [PMID: 33649839 PMCID: PMC7974418 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, a common pathological manifestation of chronic liver injury, is generally considered to be the end result of an increase in extracellular matrix produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The aim of the present study was to target the mechanisms underlying HSC activation in order to provide a powerful therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. In the present study, a high-throughput screening assay was established, and the histone deacetylase inhibitor givinostat was identified as a potent inhibitor of HSC activation in vitro. Givinostat significantly inhibited HSC activation in vivo, ameliorated carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse liver fibrosis and lowered plasma aminotransferases. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the most significantly regulated genes in the givinostat treatment group in comparison with those in the solvent group, among which, dermokine (Dmkn), mesothelin (Msln) and uroplakin-3b (Upk3b) were identified as potential regulators of HSC activation. Givinostat significantly reduced the mRNA expression of Dmkn, Msln and Upk3b in both a mouse liver fibrosis model and in HSC-LX2 cells. Knockdown of any of the aforementioned genes inhibited the TGF-β1-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I, indicating that they are crucial for HSC activation. In summary, using a novel strategy targeting HSC activation, the present study identified a potential epigenetic drug for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and revealed novel regulators of HSC activation.
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30
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Ganguly N, Chakrabarti S. Role of long non‑coding RNAs and related epigenetic mechanisms in liver fibrosis (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:23. [PMID: 33495817 PMCID: PMC7846421 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the major liver pathologies affecting patients worldwide. It results from an improper tissue repair process following liver injury or inflammation. If left untreated, it ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in a wide variety of diseases. They can regulate gene expression and modulate signaling. Some of the lncRNAs promote, while others inhibit liver fibrosis. Similarly, other epigenetic processes, such as methylation and acetylation regulate gene transcription and can modulate gene expression. Notably, there are several regulatory associations of lncRNAs with other epigenetic processes. A major mechanism of action of long non‑coding RNAs is to competitively bind to their target microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), which in turn affects miRNA availability and bioactivity. In the present review, the role of lncRNAs and related epigenetic processes contributing to liver fibrosis is discussed. Finally, various potential therapeutic approaches targeting lncRNAs and related epigenetic processes, which are being considered as possible future treatment targets for liver fibrosis are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Ganguly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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Emerging physiological and pathological roles of MeCP2 in non-neurological systems. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 700:108768. [PMID: 33485848 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous neurological and non-neurological disorders are associated with dysfunction of epigenetic modulators, and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is one of such proteins. Initially identified as a transcriptional repressor, MeCP2 specifically binds to methylated DNA, and mutations of MeCP2 have been shown to cause Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurological disorder. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that ubiquitously expressed MeCP2 also plays a central role in non-neurological disorders including cardiac dysfunction, liver injury, respiratory disorders, urological dysfunction, adipose tissue metabolism disorders, movement abnormality and inflammatory responses in a DNA methylation dependent or independent manner. Despite significant progresses in our understanding of MeCP2 over the last few decades, there is still a considerable knowledge gap to translate the in vitro and in vivo experimental findings into therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the role of MeCP2 in the pathophysiology of non-neurological disorders, MeCP2-based research directions and therapeutic strategies for non-neurological disorders are also discussed.
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Cui Z, Huang N, Liu L, Li X, Li G, Chen Y, Wu Q, Zhang J, Long S, Wang M, Sun F, Shi Y, Pan Q. Dynamic analysis of m6A methylation spectroscopy during progression and reversal of hepatic fibrosis. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1707-1723. [PMID: 33174480 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To dynamically analyze the differential m6A methylation during the progression and reversal of hepatic fibrosis. Materials & methods: We induced hepatic fibrosis in C57/BL6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. The reversal model of hepatic fibrosis was established by stopping drug after continuous injection of CCl4. Dynamic m6A methylation was evaluated using MeRIP-Seq in the progression and reversal of hepatic fibrosis at different stages. Result: During the hepatic fibrosis, differential m6A methylation was mainly enriched in processes associated with oxidative stress and cytochrome metabolism, while differential m6A methylation was mainly enriched in processes associated with immune response and apoptosis in the hepatic fibrosis reversal. Conclusion: m6A methylation plays an important role in the progression and reversal of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqi Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Guohui Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301# Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Shuping Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Minyi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
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Hyun J, Jung Y. DNA Methylation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218138. [PMID: 33143364 PMCID: PMC7662478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread hepatic disorder in the United States and other Westernized countries. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced stage of NAFLD, can progress to end-stage liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Poor understanding of mechanisms underlying NAFLD progression from simple steatosis to NASH has limited the development of effective therapies and biomarkers. An accumulating body of studies has suggested the importance of DNA methylation, which plays pivotal roles in NAFLD pathogenesis. DNA methylation signatures that can affect gene expression are influenced by environmental and lifestyle experiences such as diet, obesity, and physical activity and are reversible. Hence, DNA methylation signatures and modifiers in NAFLD may provide the basis for developing biomarkers indicating the onset and progression of NAFLD and therapeutics for NAFLD. Herein, we review an update on the recent findings in DNA methylation signatures and their roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and broaden people’s perspectives on potential DNA methylation-related treatments and biomarkers for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongeun Hyun
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Cell and Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-51-510-2262
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Claveria-Cabello A, Colyn L, Arechederra M, Urman JM, Berasain C, Avila MA, Fernandez-Barrena MG. Epigenetics in Liver Fibrosis: Could HDACs be a Therapeutic Target? Cells 2020; 9:cells9102321. [PMID: 33086678 PMCID: PMC7589994 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases (CLD) represent a worldwide health problem. While CLDs may have diverse etiologies, a common pathogenic denominator is the presence of liver fibrosis. Cirrhosis, the end-stage of CLD, is characterized by extensive fibrosis and is markedly associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The most important event in hepatic fibrogenesis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) following liver injury. Activated HSCs acquire a myofibroblast-like phenotype becoming proliferative, fibrogenic, and contractile cells. While transient activation of HSCs is part of the physiological mechanisms of tissue repair, protracted activation of a wound healing reaction leads to organ fibrosis. The phenotypic changes of activated HSCs involve epigenetic mechanisms mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) as well as by changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. During CLD these epigenetic mechanisms become deregulated, with alterations in the expression and activity of epigenetic modulators. Here we provide an overview of the epigenetic alterations involved in fibrogenic HSCs transdifferentiation with particular focus on histones acetylation changes. We also discuss recent studies supporting the promising therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Claveria-Cabello
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Leticia Colyn
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Carlos III Health Institute), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Jesus M. Urman
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Navarra University Hospital Complex, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Berasain
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Carlos III Health Institute), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Matias A. Avila
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Carlos III Health Institute), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.A.A.); (M.G.F.-B.); Tel.: +34-94-819-4700 (M.A.A.); +34-94-819-4700 (M.G.F.-B.)
| | - Maite G. Fernandez-Barrena
- Program of Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.C.-C.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.B.)
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Carlos III Health Institute), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.A.A.); (M.G.F.-B.); Tel.: +34-94-819-4700 (M.A.A.); +34-94-819-4700 (M.G.F.-B.)
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Asif S, Morrow NM, Mulvihill EE, Kim KH. Understanding Dietary Intervention-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications in Metabolic Diseases. Front Genet 2020; 11:590369. [PMID: 33193730 PMCID: PMC7593700 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.590369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease, is dramatically increasing. Both genetic and environmental factors are well-known contributors to the development of these diseases and therefore, the study of epigenetics can provide additional mechanistic insight. Dietary interventions, including caloric restriction, intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding, have shown promising improvements in patients' overall metabolic profiles (i.e., reduced body weight, improved glucose homeostasis), and an increasing number of studies have associated these beneficial effects with epigenetic alterations. In this article, we review epigenetic changes involved in both metabolic diseases and dietary interventions in primary metabolic tissues (i.e., adipose, liver, and pancreas) in hopes of elucidating potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza Asif
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nadya M. Morrow
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Erin E. Mulvihill
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kyoung-Han Kim
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Blum KA, Gupta S, Tickoo SK, Chan TA, Russo P, Motzer RJ, Karam JA, Hakimi AA. Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: biology, natural history and management. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 17:659-678. [PMID: 33051619 PMCID: PMC7551522 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is an uncommon feature that can occur in most histological subtypes of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and carries a decidedly poor prognosis. Historically, conventional treatments for sarcomatoid RCCs (sRCCs) have shown little efficacy, and median survival is commonly 6–13 months. Despite being first described in 1968, the mechanisms driving sarcomatoid dedifferentiation remain poorly understood, and information and treatment options available to physicians and patients are limited. When diagnosed at an early stage, surgical intervention remains the treatment of choice. However, preoperative identification through routine imaging or biopsy is unreliable and most patients present with advanced disease and systemic symptoms. For these patients, the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy is disputed. The expansion of immunotherapies approved for RCCs has generated a search for biomarkers that might be indicative of treatment response in sRCCs, although a proven effective systemic agent remains elusive. PDL1 expression is increased in sarcomatoid dedifferentiated renal tumours, which suggests that patients with sRCCs could benefit from PD1 and/or PDL1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Treatment outcomes for sarcomatoid tumours have remained relatively consistent compared with other RCCs, but further investigation of the tumour–immune cell microenvironment might yield insights into further therapeutic possibilities. In this Review, Blum et al. summarize the current knowledge on sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, a diagnosis characterized by the presence of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation and a poor prognosis. They discuss the origin, presentation, molecular biology and treatment of this disease.
Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is not considered to be a unique histological subtype of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs); rather, it can be present within any subtype of RCCs. Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation appears in ~4% of all RCCs, but is present in ~20% of all metastatic RCCs. According to WHO guidelines, any RCC with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is a WHO–International Society of Urological Pathology grade 4 lesion. Sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is often heterogeneously present within RCCs, making routine imaging and biopsy unreliable for preoperative detection. Surgical resection for localized disease is the standard of care, with subsequent close monitoring of patients following surgery. In patients with metastatic disease, conventional therapies such as surgery and systemic agents have been ineffective and overall 5-year survival remains at 23.5–33%. Previous genomic analyses have failed to identify definitive mutational drivers of disease. However, sarcomatoid RCCs (sRCCs) have been shown to have higher PD1 and PDL1 expression than other subtypes of RCCs. Newer combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies could yield improved responses and outcomes. Studies investigating sRCCs are limited by patient numbers owing to the low incidence of sRCCs and their advanced stage at presentation. Multi-institutional efforts to establish a consensus on treatment recommendations based on highly powered data are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Blum
- Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sounak Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Satish K Tickoo
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert J Motzer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose A Karam
- Departments of Urology and Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Ari Hakimi
- Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Targeting chromatin dysregulation in organ fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:64-72. [PMID: 32900600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis leads to destruction of organ architecture accompanied by chronic inflammation and loss of function. Fibrosis affects nearly every organ in the body and accounts for ∼45% of total deaths worldwide. Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the basic mechanisms leading to organ fibrosis. However, we are limited with therapeutic options and there is a significant need to develop highly effective anti-fibrotic therapies. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have advanced the burgeoning field of epigenetics towards molecular understanding at a higher resolution. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances in chromatin regulatory processes, specifically DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, and chromatin remodeling complexes in kidney, liver and lung fibrosis. Although this research field is young, we discuss new strategies for potential therapeutic interventions for treating organ fibrosis.
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Li X, Li X, He S, Zhao M. MeCP2-421-mediated RPE epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its relevance to the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:9420-9427. [PMID: 32638535 PMCID: PMC7417696 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding eye disease. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PVR. In the current study, we sought to investigate the role of the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2), especially P‐MeCP2‐421 in the pathogenesis of PVR. The expressions of P‐MeCP2‐421, P‐MeCP2‐80, PPAR‐γ and the double labelling of P‐MeCP2‐421 with α‐SMA, cytokeratin, TGF‐β and PPAR‐γ in human PVR membranes were analysed by immunohistochemistry. The effect of knocking down MeCP2 using siRNA on the expressions of α‐SMA, phospho‐Smad2/3, collagen I, fibronectin and PPAR‐γ; the expression of α‐SMA stimulated by recombinant MeCP2 in ARPE‐19; and the effect of TGF‐β and 5‐AZA treatment on PPAR‐γ expression were analysed by Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the binding of MeCP2 to TGF‐β. Our results showed that P‐MeCP2‐421 was highly expressed in PVR membranes and was double labelled with α‐SMA, cytokeratin and TGF‐β, knocking down MeCP2 inhibited the activation of Smad2/3 and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin induced by TGF‐β. TGF‐β inhibited the expression of PPAR‐γ, silence of MeCP2 by siRNA or using MeCP2 inhibitor (5‐AZA) increased the expression of PPAR‐γ. α‐SMA was up‐regulated by the treatment of recombinant MeCP2. Importantly, we found that MeCP2 bound to TGF‐β as demonstrated by Chip assay. The results suggest that MeCP2 especially P‐MeCP2‐421 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PVR and targeting MeCP2 may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Li
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, China.,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, China.,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shikun He
- Ophthalmology Optometry Centre, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China.,Departments of Pathology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Ophthalmology Optometry Centre, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
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Hydralazine Sensitizes to the Antifibrotic Effect of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine in Hepatic Stellate Cells. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9060117. [PMID: 32503264 PMCID: PMC7345531 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is essential for the development of liver fibrosis. Epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methylation, is largely involved in the regulation of gene expression during HSC activation. Although the pharmacological DNA demethylation of HSC using 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) yielded an antifibrotic effect, this drug has been reported to induce excessive cytotoxicity at a high dose. Hydralazine (HDZ), an antihypertensive agent, also exhibits non-nucleoside demethylating activity. However, the effect of HDZ on HSC activation remains unclear. In this study, we performed a combined treatment with 5-aza-dC and HDZ to obtain an enhanced antifibrotic effect with lower cytotoxicity. METHODS HSC-T6 cells were used as a rat HSC cell line in this study. The cells were cultivated together with 1 µM 5-Aza-dC and/or 10 µg/mL of HDZ, which were refreshed every 24 h until the 96 h treatment ended. Cell proliferation was measured using the WST-1 assay. The mRNA expression levels of peptidylprolyl isomerase A (Ppia), an internal control gene, collagen type I alpha 1 (Cola1), RAS protein activator like 1 (Rasal1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (Pten) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The percentage cell viability with 5-aza-dC, HDZ, and combined treatment vs. the vehicle-only control was 101.4 ± 2.5, 95.2 ± 5.7, and 79.2 ± 0.7 (p < 0.01 for 5-aza-dC and p < 0.01 for HDZ), respectively, in the 48 h treatment, and 52.4 ± 5.6, 65.9 ± 3.4, and 29.9 ± 1.3 (p < 0.01 for 5-aza-dC and p < 0.01 for HDZ), respectively, in the 96 h treatment. 5-Aza-dC and the combined treatment markedly decreased Cola1 mRNA levels. Accordingly, the expression levels of Rasal1 and Pten, which are antifibrotic genes, were increased by treatment after the 5-aza-dC and combined treatments. Moreover, single treatment with HDZ did not affect the expression levels of Cola1, Rasal1, or Pten. These results suggest that HDZ sensitizes to the antifibrotic effect of 5-aza-dC in HSC-T6 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying the sensitization to the antifibrotic effect of 5-aza-dC by HDZ remains to be elucidated. The expression levels of rat equilibrative nucleoside transporter genes (rEnt1, rEnt2, and rEnt3) were not affected by HDZ in this study. CONCLUSIONS Further confirmation using primary HSCs and in vivo animal models is desirable, but combined treatment with 5-aza-dC and HDZ may be an effective therapy for liver fibrosis without severe adverse effects.
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Chen L, Huang W, Wang L, Zhang Z, Zhang F, Zheng S, Kong D. The effects of epigenetic modification on the occurrence and progression of liver diseases and the involved mechanism. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:259-270. [PMID: 32124651 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1736042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modification is a type of gene expression and regulation that does not involve changes in DNA sequences. An increasing number of studies have proven that epigenetic modifications play an important role in the occurrence and progression of liver diseases through the gene regulation and protein expressions of hepatocellular lipid metabolism, inflammatory reaction, cell proliferation, and activation, etc.Areas covered: In this study, we elaborated and analyzed the underlying functional mechanism of epigenetic modification in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis (LF), viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and research progress of recent years.Expert opinion: The further understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that can regulate gene expression and cell phenotype leads to new insights in epigenetic control of chronic liver disease. Currently, hepatologists are exploring the role of DNA methylation, histone/chromatin modification, and non-coding RNA in specific liver pathology. These findings have led to advances in direct epigenetic biomarker testing of patient tissue or body fluid specimens, as well as quantitative analysis. Based on these findings, drug validation of some targets involved in the epigenetic mechanism of liver disease is gradually being carried out clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integral Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Tillotson R, Bird A. The Molecular Basis of MeCP2 Function in the Brain. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:1602-1623. [PMID: 31629770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MeCP2 is a reader of the DNA methylome that occupies a large proportion of the genome due to its high abundance and the frequency of its target sites. It has been the subject of extensive study because of its link with 'MECP2-related disorders', of which Rett syndrome is the most prevalent. This review integrates evidence from patient mutation data with results of experimental studies using mouse models, cell lines and in vitro systems to critically evaluate our understanding of MeCP2 protein function. Recent evidence challenges the idea that MeCP2 is a multifunctional hub that integrates diverse processes to underpin neuronal function, suggesting instead that its primary role is to recruit the NCoR1/2 co-repressor complex to methylated sites in the genome, leading to dampening of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Tillotson
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Medical Research Council (MRC) Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Adrian Bird
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, The Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
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Wang M, Ye Q, Mao D, Li H. Research Progress in Liver-Regenerating Microenvironment and DNA Methylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e920310. [PMID: 32144233 PMCID: PMC7077739 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development, progression, recurrence, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely associated with an abnormal liver-regenerating microenvironment (LRM). Therefore, preventing and reversing an abnormal LRM is a potential therapeutic strategy against HCC. Studies are increasingly focusing on the impact of regeneration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, immunomodulation, and hepatic stem cells on HCC development and progression. As a key epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation is extensively involved in regulating physiological and pathological pathways. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of DNA methylation in the fibrotic, angiogenic, inflammatory/immune, and stem cell microenvironments of HCC, and discuss new advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on influencing the abnormal LRM, so as to gain new insights into alleviating the abnormal LRM via regulating DNA methylation by TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Wang
- Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Qianling Ye
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Dewen Mao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hanmin Li
- Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
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43
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Distler JHW, Györfi AH, Ramanujam M, Whitfield ML, Königshoff M, Lafyatis R. Shared and distinct mechanisms of fibrosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:705-730. [PMID: 31712723 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Ikemori R, Gabasa M, Duch P, Vizoso M, Bragado P, Arshakyan M, Luis IC, Marín A, Morán S, Castro M, Fuster G, Gea-Sorli S, Jauset T, Soucek L, Montuenga LM, Esteller M, Monsó E, Peinado VI, Gascon P, Fillat C, Hilberg F, Reguart N, Alcaraz J. Epigenetic SMAD3 Repression in Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts Impairs Fibrosis and Response to the Antifibrotic Drug Nintedanib in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2019; 80:276-290. [PMID: 31694906 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor-promoting fibrotic stroma rich in tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF) is drawing increased therapeutic attention. Intriguingly, a trial with the antifibrotic drug nintedanib in non-small cell lung cancer reported clinical benefits in adenocarcinoma (ADC) but not squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), even though the stroma is fibrotic in both histotypes. Likewise, we reported that nintedanib inhibited the tumor-promoting fibrotic phenotype of TAFs selectively in ADC. Here we show that tumor fibrosis is actually higher in ADC-TAFs than SCC-TAFs in vitro and patient samples. Mechanistically, the reduced fibrosis and nintedanib response of SCC-TAFs was associated with increased promoter methylation of the profibrotic TGFβ transcription factor SMAD3 compared with ADC-TAFs, which elicited a compensatory increase in TGFβ1/SMAD2 activation. Consistently, forcing global DNA demethylation of SCC-TAFs with 5-AZA rescued TGFβ1/SMAD3 activation, whereas genetic downregulation of SMAD3 in ADC-TAFs and control fibroblasts increased TGFβ1/SMAD2 activation, and reduced their fibrotic phenotype and antitumor responses to nintedanib in vitro and in vivo. Our results also support that smoking and/or the anatomic location of SCC in the proximal airways, which are more exposed to cigarette smoke particles, may prime SCC-TAFs to stronger SMAD3 epigenetic repression, because cigarette smoke condensate selectively increased SMAD3 promoter methylation. Our results unveil that the histotype-specific regulation of tumor fibrosis in lung cancer is mediated through differential SMAD3 promoter methylation in TAFs and provide new mechanistic insights on the selective poor response of SCC-TAFs to nintedanib. Moreover, our findings support that patients with ADC may be more responsive to antifibrotic drugs targeting their stromal TGFβ1/SMAD3 activation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study implicates the selective epigenetic repression of SMAD3 in SCC-TAFs in the clinical failure of nintedanib in SCC and supports that patients with ADC may benefit from antifibrotic drugs targeting stromal TGFβ1/SMAD3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ikemori
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gabasa
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Duch
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marselina Arshakyan
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iuliana-Cristiana Luis
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Marín
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Morán
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Castro
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fuster
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Gea-Sorli
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Jauset
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Luis M Montuenga
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research Institution (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Monsó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Victor Ivo Peinado
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Gascon
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frank Hilberg
- Boehringer Ingelheim Austria RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
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Moran-Salvador E, Garcia-Macia M, Sivaharan A, Sabater L, Zaki MY, Oakley F, Knox A, Page A, Luli S, Mann J, Mann DA. Fibrogenic Activity of MECP2 Is Regulated by Phosphorylation in Hepatic Stellate Cells. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:1398-1412.e9. [PMID: 31352003 PMCID: PMC6853276 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Methyl-CpG binding protein 2, MECP2, which binds to methylated regions of DNA to regulate transcription, is expressed by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and is required for development of liver fibrosis in mice. We investigated the effects of MECP2 deletion from HSCs on their transcriptome and of phosphorylation of MECP2 on HSC phenotype and liver fibrosis. METHODS We isolated HSCs from Mecp2-/y mice and wild-type (control) mice. HSCs were activated in culture and used in array analyses of messenger RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses identified pathways regulated by MECP2. We studied mice that expressed a mutated form of Mecp2 that encodes the S80A substitution, MECP2S80, causing loss of MECP2 phosphorylation at serine 80. Liver fibrosis was induced in these mice by administration of carbon tetrachloride, and liver tissues and HSCs were collected and analyzed. RESULTS MECP2 deletion altered expression of 284 messenger RNAs and 244 long noncoding RNAs, including those that regulate DNA replication; are members of the minichromosome maintenance protein complex family; or encode CDC7, HAS2, DNA2 (a DNA helicase), or RPA2 (a protein that binds single-stranded DNA). We found that MECP2 regulates the DNA repair Fanconi anemia pathway in HSCs. Phosphorylation of MECP2S80 and its putative kinase, HAS2, were induced during transdifferentiation of HSCs. HSCs from MECP2S80 mice had reduced proliferation, and livers from these mice had reduced fibrosis after carbon tetrachloride administration. CONCLUSIONS In studies of mice with disruption of Mecp2 or that expressed a form of MECP2 that is not phosphorylated at S80, we found phosphorylation of MECP2 to be required for HSC proliferation and induction of fibrosis. In HSCs, MECP2 regulates expression of genes required for DNA replication and repair. Strategies to inhibit MECP2 phosphorylation at S80 might be developed for treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jelena Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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Moscoso CG, Steer CJ. "Let my liver rather heat with wine" - a review of hepatic fibrosis pathophysiology and emerging therapeutics. Hepat Med 2019; 11:109-129. [PMID: 31565001 PMCID: PMC6731525 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s213397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is characterized by extensive hepatic fibrosis, and it is the 14th leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous contributing conditions have been implicated in its development, including infectious etiologies, medication overdose or adverse effects, ingestible toxins, autoimmunity, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and primary biliary cholangitis to list a few. It is associated with portal hypertension and its stigmata (varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, combined coagulopathy and thrombophilia), and it is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation has been the only curative modality to treat cirrhosis, and the scarcity of donors results in many people waiting years for a transplant. Identification of novel targets for pharmacologic therapy through elucidation of key mechanistic components to induce fibrosis reversal is the subject of intense research. Development of robust models of hepatic fibrosis to faithfully characterize the interplay between activated hepatic stellate cells (the principal fibrogenic contributor to fibrosis initiation and perpetuation), hepatocytes and extracellular matrix components has the potential to identify critical components and mechanisms that can be exploited for targeted treatment. In this review, we will highlight key cellular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from extracellular ligands, effectors and receptors, to nuclear receptors, epigenetic mechanisms, energy homeostasis and cytokines. Further, molecular pathways of hepatic stellate cell deactivation are discussed, including apoptosis, senescence and reversal or transdifferentiation to an inactivated state resembling quiescence. Lastly, clinical evidence of fibrosis reversal induced by biologics and small molecules is summarized, current compounds under clinical trials are described and efforts for treatment of hepatic fibrosis with mesenchymal stem cells are highlighted. An enhanced understanding of the rich tapestry of cellular processes identified in the initiation, perpetuation and resolution of hepatic fibrosis, driven principally through phenotypic switching of hepatic stellate cells, should lead to a breakthrough in potential therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Moscoso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Bian E, Chen X, Xu Y, Ji X, Cheng M, Wang H, Fang Z, Zhao B. A central role for MeCP2 in the epigenetic repression of miR-200c during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of glioma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:366. [PMID: 31429770 PMCID: PMC6702741 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to the regulation of glioma progression. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms that regulate EMT are poorly understood. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were performed to detect the expression of MeCP2 in glioma tissues and cell lines. MeCP2 functions were tested with cell immunofluorescence staining and western blot. For in vivo experiments, mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the effects of MeCP2 on glioma. ChIP and Co-IP were used to detect the relationships among MeCP2, miR-200c and Suv39H1. Results In this study, we found that MeCP2 was frequently up-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. MeCP2 knockdown remarkably induced cell epithelial phenotype and inhibited mesenchymal marker ZEB1 and ZEB2 in vitro and in vivo. In addition, MeCP2 in glioma tissues was negatively correlated with miR-200c expression, and miR-200c overexpression partially abrogated mesenchymal phenotype induced by MeCP2. More importantly, we showed that MeCP2 recruited H3K9 to the promoter of miR-200c by interacting with SUV39H1, resulting in EMT of glioma cells. Conclusions This study for the first time reveals MeCP2 as a novel regulator of EMT in glioma and suggest that MeCP2 inhibition may represent a promising therapeutic option for suppressing EMT in glioma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1341-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbao Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xueran Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Yadi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xinghu Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 350, Shushan Hu Road, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China. .,Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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48
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Jorgensen BG, Ro S. Role of DNA Methylation in the Development and Differentiation of Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 25:377-386. [PMID: 31327220 PMCID: PMC6657918 DOI: 10.5056/jnm19077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian intestine contains many different cell types but is comprised of 2 main cell types: epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Recent in vivo and in vitro evidence has revealed that various alterations to the DNA methylation apparatus within both of these cell types can result in a variety of cellular phenotypes including modified differentiation status, apoptosis, and uncontrolled growth. Methyl groups added to cytosines in regulatory genomic regions typically act to repress associated gene transcription. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns are often found in cells with abnormal growth/differentiation patterns, including those cells involved in burdensome intestinal pathologies including inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal pseudo-obstructions. The altered methylation patterns being observed in various cell cultures and DNA methyltransferase knockout models indicate an influential connection between DNA methylation and gastrointestinal cells’ development and their response to environmental signaling. As these modified DNA methylation levels are found in a number of pathological gastrointestinal conditions, further investigations into uncovering the causative nature, and controlled regulation, of this epigenetic modification is of great interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Jorgensen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, USA
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, USA
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Fu X, Li C, Liu Q, McMillin KW. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: STEM AND PROGENITOR CELLS IN ANIMAL GROWTH: The regulation of beef quality by resident progenitor cells1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2658-2673. [PMID: 30982893 PMCID: PMC6541817 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The intramuscular adipose tissue deposition in the skeletal muscle of beef cattle is a highly desired trait essential for high-quality beef. In contrast, the excessive accumulation of crosslinked collagen in intramuscular connective tissue contributes to beef toughness. Recent studies revealed that adipose tissue and connective tissue share an embryonic origin in mice and may be derived from a common immediate bipotent precursor in mice and humans. Having the same linkages in the development of adipose tissue and connective tissue in beef, the lineage commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells giving rise to these tissues may directly affect beef quality. It has been shown that these processes are regulated by some key transcription regulators and are subjective to epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. Continued exploration of relevant regulatory pathways is very important for the identification of mechanisms influencing meat quality and the development of proper management strategies for beef quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Qianglin Liu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Kenneth W McMillin
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
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50
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Barcena-Varela M, Colyn L, Fernandez-Barrena MG. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation During Liver Fibrosis and Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2507. [PMID: 31117267 PMCID: PMC6566358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an essential component of chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocarcinogenesis. The fibrotic stroma is a consequence of sustained liver damage combined with exacerbated extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. In this context, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a key role in both initiation and perpetuation of fibrogenesis. These cells suffer profound remodeling of gene expression in this process. This review is focused on the epigenetic alterations participating in the transdifferentiation of HSCs from the quiescent to activated state. Recent advances in the field of DNA methylation and post-translational modifications (PTM) of histones (acetylation and methylation) patterns are discussed here, together with altered expression and activity of epigenetic remodelers. We also consider recent advances in translational approaches, including the use of epigenetic marks as biomarkers and the promising antifibrotic properties of epigenetic drugs that are currently being used in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia Colyn
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31180 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, 31180 Pamplona, Spain.
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra-IdiSNA, 31180 Pamplona, Spain.
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