Suzanne Duijst

ABCC6–Mediated ATP Secretion by the Liver Is the Main Source of the Mineralization Inhibitor Inorganic Pyrophosphate in the Systemic Circulation—Brief Report

Objective— Mutations in ABCC6 underlie the ectopic mineralization disorder pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and some forms of generalized arterial calcification of infancy, both of which affect the cardiovascular system. Using cultured cells, we recently showed that ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 6 (ABCC6) mediates the cellular release of ATP, which is extracellularly rapidly converted into AMP and the mineralization inhibitor inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). The current study was performed to determine which tissues release ATP in an ABCC6-dependent manner in vivo, where released ATP is converted into AMP and PPi, and whether human PXE ptients have low plasma PPi concentrations. Approach and Results— Using cultured primary hepatocytes and in vivo liver perfusion experiments, we found that ABCC6 mediates the direct, sinusoidal, release of ATP from the liver. Outside hepatocytes, but still within the liver vasculature, released ATP is converted into AMP and PPi. The absence of functional ABCC6 in patients with PXE leads to strongly reduced plasma PPi concentrations. Conclusions— Hepatic ABCC6-mediated ATP release is the main source of circulating PPi, revealing an unanticipated role of the liver in systemic PPi homeostasis. Patients with PXE have a strongly reduced plasma PPi level, explaining their mineralization disorder. Our results indicate that systemic PPi is relatively stable and that PXE, generalized arterial calcification of infancy, and other ectopic mineralization disorders could be treated with PPi supplementation therapy.

Impaired uptake of conjugated bile acids and hepatitis b virus pres1‐binding in na+‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide knockout mice

The Na+‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) mediates uptake of conjugated bile acids (BAs) and is localized at the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes. It has recently been recognized as the receptor mediating hepatocyte‐specific entry of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus. Myrcludex B, a peptide inhibitor of hepatitis B virus entry, is assumed to specifically target NTCP. Here, we investigated BA transport and Myrcludex B binding in the first Slc10a1‐knockout mouse model (Slc10a1 encodes NTCP). Primary Slc10a1−/− hepatocytes showed absence of sodium‐dependent taurocholic acid uptake, whereas sodium‐independent taurocholic acid uptake was unchanged. In vivo, this was manifested as a decreased serum BA clearance in all knockout mice. In a subset of mice, NTCP deficiency resulted in markedly elevated total serum BA concentrations, mainly composed of conjugated BAs. The hypercholanemic phenotype was rapidly triggered by a diet supplemented with ursodeoxycholic acid. Biliary BA output remained intact, while fecal BA excretion was reduced in hypercholanemic Slc10a1−/− mice, explained by increased Asbt and Ostα/β expression. These mice further showed reduced Asbt expression in the kidney and increased renal BA excretion. Hepatic uptake of conjugated BAs was potentially affected by down‐regulation of OATP1A1 and up‐regulation of OATP1A4. Furthermore, sodium‐dependent taurocholic acid uptake was inhibited by Myrcludex B in wild‐type hepatocytes, while Slc10a1−/− hepatocytes were insensitive to Myrcludex B. Finally, positron emission tomography showed a complete abrogation of hepatic binding of labeled Myrcludex B in Slc10a1‐/‐ mice. Conclusion: The Slc10a1‐knockout mouse model supports the central role of NTCP in hepatic uptake of conjugated BAs and hepatitis B virus preS1/Myrcludex B binding in vivo; the NTCP‐independent hepatic BA uptake machinery maintains a (slower) enterohepatic circulation of BAs, although it is occasionally insufficient to clear BAs from the circulation. (Hepatology 2015;62:207–219)

Oral availability of cefadroxil depends on ABCC3 and ABCC4.

Some cephalosporins, such as cefadroxil, are orally available. H+-coupled peptide transporter 1 mediates the transport of cephalosporins across the apical membrane of enterocytes. It is not known which mechanism(s) is responsible for the subsequent transport of cephalosporins across the basolateral membrane toward the circulation. We have tested whether ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCC3 and/or ABCC4 are involved in the latter process. Transport experiments with plasma membrane vesicles expressing these transporters were used to determine whether ABCC3 and ABCC4 can transport cephalosporins in vitro. The involvement of Abcc3 and Abcc4 in the transport of cefadroxil from enterocytes was subsequently studied using intestinal explants from wild-type, Abcc3(−/−), Abcc4(−/−), and Abcc3(−/−)/Abcc4(−/−) mice in an Ussing chamber setup. Finally, appearance of cefadroxil in portal blood was investigated in vivo after intrajejunal administration of cefadroxil in wild-type, Abcc3(−/−), Abcc4(−/−), and Abcc3(−/−)/Abcc4(−/−) mice. ABCC3- and ABCC4-mediated transport of estradiol-17β-glucuronide was dose-dependently inhibited by cephalosporins in vesicular transport experiments. Furthermore, transport of cefadroxil by ABCC3 and ABCC4 was saturable with Km values of 2.5 ± 0.7 and 0.25 ± 0.07 mM, respectively. Transport of cefadroxil from the apical to the basolateral side of jejunal tissue explants was unchanged in Abcc3(−/−) but significantly reduced (approximately 2-fold) in Abcc4(−/−) and Abcc3(−/−)/Abcc4(−/−) when compared with wild-type tissue. Upon instillation of cefadroxil in the jejunum, portal and peripheral blood concentrations were similar in Abcc3(−/−) and Abcc4(−/−) but approximately 2-fold reduced in Abcc3(−/−)/Abcc4(−/−) compared with wild-type mice. Our data demonstrate that intestinal absorption of cefadroxil depends partly on ABCC3 and ABCC4.

Pivotal role of glutamine synthetase in ammonia detoxification

Glutamine synthetase (GS) catalyzes condensation of ammonia with glutamate to glutamine. Glutamine serves, with alanine, as a major nontoxic interorgan ammonia carrier. Elimination of hepatic GS expression in mice causes only mild hyperammonemia and hypoglutaminemia but a pronounced decrease in the whole‐body muscle‐to‐fat ratio with increased myostatin expression in muscle. Using GS‐knockout/liver and control mice and stepwise increments of enterally infused ammonia, we show that ∼35% of this ammonia is detoxified by hepatic GS and ∼35% by urea‐cycle enzymes, while ∼30% is not cleared by the liver, independent of portal ammonia concentrations ≤2 mmol/L. Using both genetic (GS‐knockout/liver and GS‐knockout/muscle) and pharmacological (methionine sulfoximine and dexamethasone) approaches to modulate GS activity, we further show that detoxification of stepwise increments of intravenously (jugular vein) infused ammonia is almost totally dependent on GS activity. Maximal ammonia‐detoxifying capacity through either the enteral or the intravenous route is ∼160 μmol/hour in control mice. Using stable isotopes, we show that disposal of glutamine‐bound ammonia to urea (through mitochondrial glutaminase and carbamoylphosphate synthetase) depends on the rate of glutamine synthesis and increases from ∼7% in methionine sulfoximine‐treated mice to ∼500% in dexamethasone‐treated mice (control mice, 100%), without difference in total urea synthesis. Conclusions: Hepatic GS contributes to both enteral and systemic ammonia detoxification. Glutamine synthesis in the periphery (including that in pericentral hepatocytes) and glutamine catabolism in (periportal) hepatocytes represents the high‐affinity ammonia‐detoxifying system of the body. The dependence of glutamine‐bound ammonia disposal to urea on the rate of glutamine synthesis suggests that enhancing peripheral glutamine synthesis is a promising strategy to treat hyperammonemia. Because total urea synthesis does not depend on glutamine synthesis, we hypothesize that glutamate dehydrogenase complements mitochondrial ammonia production. (Hepatology 2017;65:281‐293).

Polyinosinic acid blocks adeno-associated virus macrophage endocytosis in vitro and enhances adeno-associated virus liver directed gene therapy in vivo

Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) has been demonstrated to be effective for liver-directed gene therapy in humans. Although hepatocytes are the main target cell for AAV8, there is a loss of the viral vector because of uptake by macrophages and Kupffer cells. Reducing this loss would increase the efficacy of viral gene therapy and allow a dose reduction. The receptor mediating this uptake has not been identified; a potential candidate seems the macrophage scavenger receptor A (SR-A) that is involved in the endocytosis of, for instance, adenovirus. In this study we show that SR-A can mediate scAAV8 endocytosis and that blocking it with polyinosinic acid (poly[i]) reduces endocytosis significantly in vitro. Subsequently, we demonstrate that blocking this receptor improves scAAV-mediated liver-directed gene therapy in a model for inherited hyperbilirubinemia, the uridine diphospho-glucuronyl transferase 1A1-deficient Gunn rat. In male rats, preadministration of poly[i] increases the efficacy of a low dose (1×10¹¹ gc/kg) but not of a higher dose (3×10¹¹ gc/kg) scAAV8-LP1-UT1A1. Administration of poly[i] just before the vector significantly increases the correction of serum bilirubin in female rats. In these, the effect of poly[i] is seen by both doses but is more pronounced in the females receiving the low vector, where it also results in a significant increase of bilirubin glucuronides in bile. In conclusion, this study shows that SR-A mediates the endocytosis of AAV8 in vitro and in vivo and that blocking this receptor can improve the efficacy of AAV-mediated liver-directed gene therapy.

Defective bile salt biosynthesis and hydroxylation in mice with reduced cytochrome P450 activity

The difference in bile salt (BS) composition between rodents and humans is mainly caused by formation of muricholate in rodents as well as by efficient rehydroxylation of deoxycholic acid. The aim of this study was to characterize bile formation in a mouse model (Hrn mice) with hepatic disruption of the cytochrome p450 (CYP) oxidoreductase gene, encoding the single electron donor for all CYPs. Bile formation was studied after acute BS infusion or after feeding a BS‐supplemented diet for 3 weeks. Fecal BS excretion in Hrn mice was severely reduced to 7.6% ± 1.8% of wild‐type (WT), confirming strong reduction of (CYP‐mediated) BS synthesis. Hrn bile contained 48% ± 18% dihydroxy BS, whereas WT bile contained only 5% ± 1% dihydroxy BS. Upon tauroursodeoxycholate infusion, biliary BS output was equal in WT versus Hrn, indicating that canalicular secretion capacity was normal. In contrast, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDC) infusion led to markedly impaired bile flow and BS output, suggesting onset of cholestasis. Feeding a cholate‐supplemented diet (0.1%) resulted in a completely restored bile salt pool in Hrn mice, with 50% ± 9% TDC and 42% ± 10% taurocholic acid in bile, as opposed to 2% ± 1% and 80% ± 3% in WT mice, respectively. Under these conditions, biliary cholesterol secretion was strongly increased in Hrn mice, whereas serum alanine aminotransferase levels were decreased. Conclusion: Hrn mice have strongly impaired bile salt synthesis and (re)hydroxylation capacity and are more susceptible to acute TDC‐induced cholestasis. In this mouse model, a more‐human BS pool can be instilled by BS feeding, without hepatic damage, which makes Hrn mice an attractive model to study the effects of human BS. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)

Cellular Localization and Biochemical Analysis of Mammalian CDC50A, a Glycosylated β-subunit for P4 ATPases

CDC50 proteins are β-subunits for P4 ATPases, which upon heterodimerization form a functional phospholipid translocation complex. Emerging evidence in mouse models and men links mutations in P4 ATPase genes with human disease. This study analyzed the tissue distribution and cellular localization of CDC50A, the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed CDC50 homologue in the mouse. The authors have raised antibodies that detect mouse and human CDC50A and studied CDC50A localization and glycosylation status in mouse liver cells. CDC50A is a terminal-glycosylated glycoprotein and is expressed in hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, where it resides in detergent-resistant membranes. In pancreas and stomach, CDC50A localized to secretory vesicles, whereas in the kidney, CDC50A localized to the apical region of proximal convoluted tubules of the cortex. In WIF-B9 cells, CDC50A partially costains with the trans-Golgi network. Data suggest that CDC50A is present as a fully glycosylated protein in vivo, which presumes interaction with distinct P4 ATPases.

FXR-dependent reduction of hepatic steatosis in a bile salt deficient mouse model

It has been established that bile salts play a role in the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. Accordingly, overt signs of steatosis have been observed in mice with reduced bile salt synthesis. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism of hepatic steatosis in mice with bile salt deficiency due to a liver specific disruption of cytochrome P450 reductase. In this study mice lacking hepatic cytochrome P450 reductase (Hrn) or wild type (WT) mice were fed a diet supplemented with or without either 0.1% cholic acid (CA) or 0.025% obeticholic acid, a specific FXR-agonist. Feeding a CA-supplemented diet resulted in a significant decrease of plasma ALT in Hrn mice. Histologically, hepatic steatosis ameliorated after CA feeding and this was confirmed by reduced hepatic triglyceride content (115.5±7.3mg/g liver and 47.9±4.6mg/g liver in control- and CA-fed Hrn mice, respectively). The target genes of FXR-signaling were restored to normal levels in Hrn mice when fed cholic acid. VLDL secretion in both control and CA-fed Hrn mice was reduced by 25% compared to that in WT mice. In order to gain insight in the mechanism behind these bile salt effects, the FXR agonist also was administered for 3weeks. This resulted in a similar decrease in liver triglycerides, indicating that the effect seen in bile salt fed Hrn animals is FXR dependent. In conclusion, steatosis in Hrn mice is ameliorated when mice are fed bile salts. This effect is FXR dependent. Triglyceride accumulation in Hrn liver may partly involve impaired VLDL secretion.

ATP11C targets basolateral bile salt transporter proteins in mouse central hepatocytes

ATP11C is a homolog of ATP8B1, both of which catalyze the transport of phospholipids in biological membranes. Mutations in ATP8B1 cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type1 in humans, which is characterized by a canalicular cholestasis. Mice deficient in ATP11C are characterized by a conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and an unconjugated hypercholanemia. Here, we have studied the hypothesis that ATP11C deficiency interferes with basolateral uptake of unconjugated bile salts, a process mediated by organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B2. ATP11C localized to the basolateral membrane of central hepatocytes in the liver lobule of control mice. In ATP11C‐deficient mice, plasma total bilirubin levels were 6‐fold increased, compared to control, of which ∼65% was conjugated and ∼35% unconjugated. Plasma total bile salts were 10‐fold increased and were mostly present as unconjugated species. Functional studies in ATP11C‐deficient mice indicated that hepatic uptake of unconjugated bile salts was strongly impaired whereas uptake of conjugated bile salts was unaffected. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated near absence of basolateral bile salt uptake transporters OATP1B2, OATP1A1, OATP1A4, and Na+‐taurocholate‐cotransporting polypeptide only in central hepatocytes of ATP11C‐deficient liver. In vivo application of the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, partially restored expression of these proteins, but not their localization. Furthermore, we observed post‐translational down‐regulation of ATP11C protein in livers from cholestatic mice, which coincided with reduced OATP1B2 levels. Conclusions: ATP11C is essential for basolateral membrane localization of multiple bile salt transport proteins in central hepatocytes and may act as a gatekeeper to prevent hepatic bile salt overload. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and unconjugated hypercholanemia and loss of OATP expression in ATP11C‐deficient liver strongly resemble the characteristics of Rotor syndrome, suggesting that mutations in ATP11C can predispose to Rotor syndrome. (Hepatology 2016;64:161–174)

Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Serotype 5 Poorly Transduces Liver in Rat Models

Preclinical studies in mice and non-human primates showed that AAV serotype 5 provides efficient liver transduction and as such seems a promising vector for liver directed gene therapy. An advantage of AAV5 compared to serotype 8 already shown to provide efficient correction in a phase 1 trial in patients suffering from hemophilia B, is its lower seroprevalence in the general population. Our goal is liver directed gene therapy for Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I, inherited severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by UGT1A1 deficiency. In a relevant animal model, the Gunn rat, we compared the efficacy of AAV 5 and 8 to that of AAV1 previously shown to be effective. Ferrying a construct driving hepatocyte specific expression of UGT1A1, both AAV8 and AAV1 provided an efficient correction of hyperbilirubinemia. In contrast to these two and to other animal models AAV5 failed to provide any correction. To clarify whether this unexpected finding was due to the rat model used or due to a problem with AAV5, the efficacy of this serotype was compared in a mouse and two additional rat strains. Administration of an AAV5 vector expressing luciferase under the control of a liver specific promoter confirmed that this serotype poorly performed in rat liver, rendering it not suitable for proof of concept studies in this species.