Katja Breitkopf

Hepatocyte-Specific Smad7 Expression Attenuates TGF-β–Mediated Fibrogenesis and Protects Against Liver Damage

BACKGROUND & AIMS The profibrogenic role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in liver has mostly been attributed to hepatic stellate cell activation and excess matrix synthesis. Hepatocytes are believed to contribute to increased rates of apoptosis. METHODS Primary hepatocyte outgrowths and AML12 cells were used as an in vitro model to detect TGF-beta effects on the cellular phenotype and expression profile. Furthermore, a transgenic mouse model was used to determine the outcome of hepatocyte-specific Smad7 expression on fibrogenesis following CCl(4)-dependent damage. Samples from patients with chronic liver diseases were assessed for (partial) epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes. RESULTS In primary cell cultures and in vivo, the majority of hepatocytes survive despite activated TGF-beta signaling. These cells display phenotypic changes and express proteins characteristic for (partial) EMT and fibrogenesis. Experimental expression of Smad7 in hepatocytes of mice attenuated TGF-beta signaling and EMT, resulted in less accumulation of interstitial collagens, and improved CCl(4)-provoked liver damage and fibrosis scores compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that hepatocytes undergo TGF-beta-dependent EMT-like phenotypic changes and actively participate in fibrogenesis. Furthermore, ablation of TGF-beta signaling specifically in this cell type is sufficient to blunt the fibrogenic response.

Id1 is a critical mediator in TGF‐β–induced transdifferentiation of rat hepatic stellate cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is critically involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that occurs during the process of liver damage, for example, by alcohol, hepatotoxic viruses, or aflatoxins. Overexpression of the TGF‐β antagonist Smad7 inhibits transdifferentiation and arrests HSCs in a quiescent stage. Additionally, bile duct ligation (BDL)‐induced fibrosis is ameliorated by introducing adenoviruses expressing Smad7 with down‐regulated collagen and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression. The aim of this study was to further characterize the molecular details of TGF‐β pathways that control the transdifferentiation process. In an attempt to elucidate TGF‐β target genes responsible for fibrogenesis, an analysis of Smad7‐dependent mRNA expression profiles in HSCs was performed, resulting in the identification of the inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) gene. Ectopic Smad7 expression in HSCs strongly reduced Id1 mRNA and protein expression. Conversely, Id1 overexpression in HSCs enhanced cell activation and circumvented Smad7‐dependent inhibition of transdifferentiation. Moreover, knock‐down of Id1 in HSCs interfered with α‐SMA fiber formation, indicating a pivotal role of Id1 for fibrogenesis. Treatment of HSCs with TGF‐β1 led to increased Id1 protein expression, which was not directly mediated by the ALK5/Smad2/3, but the ALK1/Smad1 pathway. In vivo, Id1 expression and Smad1 phosphorylation were co‐induced during fibrogenesis. In conclusion, Id1 is identified as TGF‐β/ALK1/Smad1 target gene in HSCs and represents a critical mediator of transdifferentiation that might be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:1032–1041.)

SMAD7 controls iron metabolism as a potent inhibitor of hepcidin expression

Hepcidin is the master regulatory hormone of systemic iron metabolism. Hepcidin deficiency causes common iron overload syndromes whereas its overexpression is responsible for microcytic anemias. Hepcidin transcription is activated by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and the inflammatory JAK-STAT pathways, whereas comparatively little is known about how hepcidin expression is inhibited. By using high-throughput siRNA screening we identified SMAD7 as a potent hepcidin suppressor. SMAD7 is an inhibitory SMAD protein that mediates a negative feedback loop to both transforming growth factor-beta and BMP signaling and that recently was shown to be coregulated with hepcidin via SMAD4 in response to altered iron availability in vivo. We show that SMAD7 is coregulated with hepcidin by BMPs in primary murine hepatocytes and that SMAD7 overexpression completely abolishes hepcidin activation by BMPs and transforming growth factor-beta. We identify a distinct SMAD regulatory motif (GTCAAGAC) within the hepcidin promoter involved in SMAD7-dependent hepcidin suppression, demonstrating that SMAD7 does not simply antagonize the previously reported hemojuvelin/BMP-responsive elements. This work identifies a potent inhibitory factor for hepcidin expression and uncovers a negative feedback pathway for hepcidin regulation, providing insight into a mechanism how hepcidin expression may be limited to avoid iron deficiency.

Profibrogenic transforming growth factor‐β/activin receptor–like kinase 5 signaling via connective tissue growth factor expression in hepatocytes

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is important for transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)–induced liver fibrogenesis. Hepatic stellate cells have been recognized as its major cellular source in the liver. Here we demonstrate the induction of CTGF expression in hepatocytes of damaged livers and identify a molecular mechanism responsible for it. CTGF expression was found by immunohistochemistry in bile duct epithelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes in fibrotic liver tissue from patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Similarly, CTGF expression was induced in hepatocytes of carbon tetrachloride–treated mice. CTGF expression and secretion were detected spontaneously in a medium of hepatocytes after 3 days of culture, which was enhanced by stimulation with TGF‐β. TGF‐β–induced CTGF expression was mediated through the activin receptor–like kinase 5 (ALK5)/Smad3 pathway, whereas activin receptor–like kinase 1 activation antagonized this effect. CTGF expression in the liver tissue of TGF‐β transgenic mice correlated with serum TGF‐β levels. Smad7 overexpression in cultured hepatocytes abrogated TGF‐β–dependent and intrinsic CTGF expression, indicating that TGF‐β signaling was required. In line with these data, hepatocyte‐specific transgenic Smad7 reduced CTGF expression in carbon tetrachloride–treated animals, whereas in Smad7 knockout mice, it was enhanced. Furthermore, an interferon gamma treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection induced Smad7 expression in hepatocytes, leading to decreased CTGF expression and fibrogenesis. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence for the profibrogenic activity of TGF‐β directed to hepatocytes and mediated via the up‐regulation of CTGF. We identify ALK5‐dependent Smad3 signaling as the responsible pathway inducing CTGF expression, which can be hindered by an activated activin receptor–like kinase 1 pathway and completely inhibited by TGF‐β antagonist Smad7. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)

Current Experimental Perspectives on the Clinical Progression of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Chronic alcohol abuse is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Liver damage due to chronic alcohol intoxication initially leads to accumulation of lipids within the liver and with ongoing exposure this condition of steatosis may first progress to an inflammatory stage which leads the way for fibrogenesis and finally cirrhosis of the liver. While the earlier stages of the disease are considered reversible, cirrhotic destruction of the liver architecture beyond certain limits causes irreversible damage of the organ and often represents the basis for cancer development. This review will summarize current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the different stages of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Recent observations have led to the identification of new molecular mechanisms and mediators of ALD. For example, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 was shown to play a central role for steatosis, the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin profoundly regulates liver macrophage function and excessive hepatic deposition of iron is caused by chronic ethanol intoxication and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development.

TGF-β enhances alcohol dependent hepatocyte damage via down-regulation of alcohol dehydrogenase I

BACKGROUND & AIMS Adverse alcohol effects in the liver involve oxidative metabolism, fat deposition and release of fibrogenic mediators, including TGF-beta. The work presents an assessment of liver damaging cross-talk between ethanol and TGF-beta in hepatocytes. METHODS To investigate TGF-beta effects on hepatocytes, microarray analyses were performed and validated by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The cellular state was determined by assessing lactate dehydrogenase, cellular glutathione, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and neutral lipid deposition. RNA interference was used for gene silencing in vitro. RESULTS TGF-beta is induced in mouse livers after chronic ethanol insult, enhances ethanol induced oxidative stress and toxicity towards cultured hepatocytes plus induces lipid-, oxidative stress metabolism- and fibrogenesis-gene expression signatures. Interestingly, TGF-beta down-regulates alcohol metabolizing enzyme Adh1 mRNA in cultured hepatocytes and liver tissue from TGF-beta transgenic mice via the ALK5/Smad2/3 signalling branch, with Smad7 as a potent negative regulator. ADH1 deficiency is a determining factor for the increased lipid accumulation and Cyp2E1 dependent toxicity in liver cells upon alcohol challenge. Further, ADH1 expression was decreased during liver damage in an intragastric ethanol infusion mouse model. CONCLUSION In the presence of ethanol, TGF-beta displays pro-steatotic action in hepatocytes via decreasing ADH1 expression. Low ADH1 levels are correlated with enhanced hepatocyte damage upon chronic alcohol consumption by favoring secondary metabolic pathways.

Liver fibrogenesis due to cholestasis is associated with increased Smad7 expression and Smad3 signaling.

Background/Aims: Profibrogenic TGF‐β signaling in hepatic stellate cells is modulated during transdifferentiation. Strategies to abrogate TGF‐β effects provide promising antifibrotic results, however, in vivo data regarding Smad activation during fibrogenesis are scarce. Methods: Here, liver fibrosis was assessed subsequent to bile duct ligation by determining liver enzymes in serum and collagen deposition in liver tissue. Activated hepatic stellate cells were identified by immunohistochemistry and immunoblots for alpha smooth muscle actin. Cellular localization of Smad3 and Smad7 proteins was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. RTPCR for Smad4 and Smad7 was conducted with total RNA and Northern blot analysis for Smad7 with mRNA. Whole liver lysates were prepared to detect Smad2/3/4 and phospho‐ Smad2/3 by Western blotting. Results: Cholestasis induces TGF‐β signaling via Smad3 in vivo, whereas Smad2 phosphorylation was only marginally increased. Smad4 expression levels were unchanged. Smad7 expression was continuously increasing with duration of cholestasis. Hepatocytes of fibrotic lesions exhibited nuclear staining Smad3. In contrast to this, Smad7 expression was localized to activated hepatic stellate cells. Conclusions: Hepatocytes of damaged liver tissue display increased TGF‐β signaling via Smad3. Further, negative feedback regulation of TGF‐β signaling by increased Smad7 expression in activated hepatic stellate cells occurs, however does not interfere with fibrogenesis.

Transforming growth factor-beta induces nerve growth factor expression in pancreatic stellate cells by activation of the ALK-5 pathway.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a survival factor for neurons enforces pain by sensitizing nociceptors. Also in the pancreas, NGF was associated with pain and it can stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) respond to NGF with apoptosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, one of the strongest pro-fibrogenic activators of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) induced NGF and its two receptors in an immortalized human cell line (ihPSC) and primary rat PSC (prPSC) as determined by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. In contrast to HSC, PSC expressed both NGF receptors, although p75NTR expression was weak in prPSC. In contrast to ihPSC TGF-β activated both Smad signaling cascades in prPSC. NGF secretion was diminished by the activin-like kinase (ALK)-5 inhibitor SB431542, indicating the predominant role of ALK5 in activating the NGF system in PSC. While NGF did not affect proliferation or survival of PSC it induced expression of Inhibitor of Differentiation-1. We conclude that under conditions of upregulated TGF-β, like fibrosis, NGF levels will also increase in PSC which might contribute to pancreatic wound healing responses.

Characterization of intracellular pathways leading to coinduction of thrombospondin-1 and TGF-β1 expression in rat hepatic stellate cells

Accumulating evidence has identified Thrombospondin (TSP)-1 as important activator of latent TGF-β. Since little is known about signal transduction pathways regulating TSP expression in liver, we investigated cytokine-mediated upregulation of TSP-1 and TGF-β1 in primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). PDGF-BB and TNF-α rapidly coinduce mRNA levels of TSP-1 and TGF-β1. Interestingly, blockade of basal Erk activity by synthetic Erk-binding peptides also leads to strong induction of both mRNA transcripts in non-stimulated cells. We show that PDGF-BB induces TSP-1 and TGF-β1 via the src kinase pathway whereas TNF-α utilizes the MAPK/Erk pathway. However, especially TSP-1 induction by both cytokines involves a pathway, which depends to a certain extent on PI3 kinase activity. In summary the data illustrate specific pathways activated by PDGF-BB and TNF-α in HSC giving new insights into the tightly controlled mechanisms regulating TSP-1 and TGF-β1 expression in these cells.

PDGF-BB Induces Expression of LTBP-1 but not TGF-β1 in a Rat Cirrhotic Fat Storing Cell Line

TGF-β, a profibrogenic cytokine is predominantly secreted as a latent molecule complexed with one of the latent TGF-β binding proteins (LTBP). Due to the proposed functions of LTBP-1 and -3 in regulating TGF-β-bioavailability and -activity, we investigated the effects of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 on their expression levels in Cirrhotic fat storing cells (CFSC). CFSC basally express LTBP-1 and -3 and TGF-β1. LTBP-1 colocalizes with LAP and the cells secrete some active TGF-β1. Promoter studies showed no strong induction of the LTBP-1 promoters after stimulation, although mRNA and protein levels were increased by PDGF-BB treatment without affecting TGF-β1 expression. Vice versa, TGF-β1 treatment did not alter LTBP-1 expression while an autocrine induction was found. Our data indicate that LTBP-1 but not TGF-β1 is induced by PDGF-BB and that TGF-β1 autoinduction does not affect the expression of LTBP-1. This divergent regulation may represent an important mechanism for modulation of TGF-β bioavailability.