Weiguo Fan

All Publications

• Matrix viscoelasticity promotes liver cancer progression in the pre-cirrhotic liver. Nature Fan, W., Adebowale, K., Váncza, L., Li, Y., Rabbi, M. F., Kunimoto, K., Chen, D., Mozes, G., Chiu, D. K., Li, Y., Tao, J., Wei, Y., Adeniji, N., Brunsing, R. L., Dhanasekaran, R., Singhi, A., Geller, D., Lo, S. H., Hodgson, L., Engleman, E. G., Charville, G. W., Charu, V., Monga, S. P., Kim, T., Wells, R. G., Chaudhuri, O., Török, N. J. 2024

  Abstract

  Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics contribute to cancer development1,2, and increased stiffness is known to promote HCC progression in cirrhotic conditions3,4. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by an accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the ECM; however, how this affects HCC in non-cirrhotic conditions is unclear. Here we find that, in patients and animal models, AGEs promote changes in collagen architecture and enhance ECM viscoelasticity, with greater viscous dissipation and faster stress relaxation, but not changes in stiffness. High AGEs and viscoelasticity combined with oncogenic β-catenin signalling promote HCC induction, whereas inhibiting AGE production, reconstituting the AGE clearance receptor AGER1 or breaking AGE-mediated collagen cross-links reduces viscoelasticity and HCC growth. Matrix analysis and computational modelling demonstrate that lower interconnectivity of AGE-bundled collagen matrix, marked by shorter fibre length and greater heterogeneity, enhances viscoelasticity. Mechanistically, animal studies and 3D cell cultures show that enhanced viscoelasticity promotes HCC cell proliferation and invasion through an integrin-β1-tensin-1-YAP mechanotransductive pathway. These results reveal that AGE-mediated structural changes enhance ECM viscoelasticity, and that viscoelasticity can promote cancer progression in vivo, independent of stiffness.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41586-023-06991-9

  View details for PubMedID 38297127

  View details for PubMedCentralID 7733542

• Salvianolic acid B attenuates liver fibrosis by targeting Ecm1 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis. Redox biology Fu, Y., Zhou, X., Wang, L., Fan, W., Gao, S., Zhang, D., Ling, Z., Zhang, Y., Ma, L., Bai, F., Chen, J., Sun, B., Liu, P. 2024; 69: 103029

  Abstract

  Hepatocyte ferroptosis promotes the pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) exerts antifibrotic effects. However, the pharmacological mechanism and target has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 in wild-type mice and hepatocyte-specific extracellular matrix protein 1 (Ecm1)-deficient mice, which were separately treated with Sal B, ferrostatin-1, sorafenib or cilengitide. Erastin- or CCl4-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis models with or without Ecm1 gene knockdown were evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, the interaction between Ecm1 and xCT and the binding kinetics of Sal B and Ecm1 were determined. We found that Sal B significantly attenuated liver fibrosis in CCl4-induced mice. Ecm1 deletion in hepatocytes abolished the antifibrotic effect of Sal B. Mechanistically, Sal B protected against hepatocyte ferroptosis by upregulating Ecm1. Further research revealed that Ecm1 as a direct target for treating liver fibrosis with Sal B. Interestingly, Ecm1 interacted with xCT to regulate hepatocyte ferroptosis. Hepatocyte ferroptosis in vitro was significantly attenuated by Sal B treatment, which was abrogated after knockdown of Ecm1 in LO2 cells. Therefore, Sal B alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by targeting up-regulation of Ecm1 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis. The interaction between Ecm1 and xCT regulates hepatocyte ferroptosis.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103029

  View details for PubMedID 38184998

• EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PROTEIN 1 ATTENUATES HEPATIC FIBROSIS BY INHIBITING PROTEASE- MEDIATED LATENT TGF- β1 ACTIVATION Link, F., Li, Y., Munker, S., Fan, W., Nwosu, Z., Ebert, M., Weng, H., Wang, S., Dooley, S. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023: S31-S32

  View details for Web of Science ID 001094865400025

• HTR2A agonists play a therapeutic role by restricting ILC2 activation in papain-induced lung inflammation. Cellular & molecular immunology Wang, Z., Yan, C., Du, Q., Huang, Y., Li, X., Zeng, D., Mao, R., Gurram, R. K., Cheng, S., Gu, W., Zhu, L., Fan, W., Ma, L., Ling, Z., Qiu, J., Li, D., Liu, E., Zhang, Y., Fang, Y., Zhu, J., Sun, B. 2023

  Abstract

  Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are a category of heterogeneous cells that produce the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, which mediate the type 2 immune response. However, specific drug targets on lung ILC2s have rarely been reported. Previous studies have shown that type 2 cytokines, such as IL-5 and IL-13, are related to depression. Here, we demonstrated the negative correlation between the depression-associated monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin and secretion of the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 by ILC2s in individuals with depression. Interestingly, serotonin ameliorates papain-induced lung inflammation by suppressing ILC2 activation. Our data showed that the serotonin receptor HTR2A was highly expressed on ILC2s from mouse lungs and human PBMCs. Furthermore, an HTR2A selective agonist (DOI) impaired ILC2 activation and alleviated the type 2 immune response in vivo and in vitro. Mice with ILC2-specific depletion of HTR2A (Il5cre/+·Htr2aflox/flox mice) abolished the DOI-mediated inhibition of ILC2s in a papain-induced mouse model of inflammation. In conclusion, serotonin and DOI could restrict the type 2 lung immune response, indicating a potential treatment strategy for type 2 lung inflammation by targeting HTR2A on ST2+ ILC2s.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41423-023-00982-6

  View details for PubMedID 36823235

  View details for PubMedCentralID 9773851

• STIFF MATRIX PROMOTES BILE DUCT CELL PROLIFERATION AND HYALURONIC ACID PRODUCTION IN PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS Vancza, L., Kunimoto, K., Fan, W., Li, Y., Park, H., Nagy, N., Bollyky, P., Torok, N. J. WILEY. 2022: S1504

  View details for Web of Science ID 000870796604397

• EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX VISCOELASTICITY DRIVES LIVER CANCER PROGRESSION IN PRE-CIRRHOTIC NASH Fan, W., Li, Y., Adebowale, K., Kunimoto, K., Mozes, G., Vancza, L., Chen, D., Chaudhuri, O., Wells, R. G., Monga, S. S., Torok, N. J. WILEY. 2022: S98-S99

  View details for Web of Science ID 000870796600109

• Shc is implicated in calreticulin-mediated sterile inflammation in alcoholic hepatitis. Cellular and molecular gastroenterology and hepatology Li, Y., Jiang, J. X., Fan, W., Fish, S. R., Das, S., Gupta, P., Mozes, G., Vancza, L., Sarkar, S., Kunimoto, K., Chen, D., Park, H., Clemens, D., Tomilov, A., Cortopassi, G., Torok, N. J. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: &Aims: Src homology and collagen (Shc) proteins are major adapters to extra-cellular signals however the regulatory role of Shc isoforms in sterile inflammatory responses in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) has not been fully investigated. We hypothesized that in an isoform-specific manner Shc modulates pre-apoptotic signals, calreticulin (CRT) membrane exposure and recruitment of inflammatory cells.METHODS: Liver biopsy samples from patients with AH vs. healthy subjects were studied for Shc expression using DNA microarray data and immunohistochemistry. ShcKD (hypomorph) and age-matched wild type (WT) mice were pair-fed according to the chronic-plus-binge alcohol (NIAAA) diet. To analyze hepatocyte-specific effects, AAV8-TBG-Cre (ShcHepKO)-mediated deletion was performed in fl/fl Shc mice. Lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory signals, redox radicals, NADH/NAD+ ratio, as well as cleaved caspase 8, BAP31, Bax, and Bak, in vivo. CRT translocation was studied in ethanol-exposed p46ShcẟSH2-transfected hepatocytes by membrane biotinylation in conjunction with p-Eif2alpha, BAP31, caspase 8, Bax/Bak. The effects of idebenone, a novel Shc inhibitor was studied in alcohol/pair-fed mice.RESULTS: Shc was significantly induced in patients with AH (p<0.01). ALT, NADH/NAD+ ratios, production of redox radicals, lipid peroxidation improved (p<0.05), and IL-1beta, MCP-1, and CXCL10 were reduced in ShcKD and ShcHepKO mice. In vivo, Shc-dependent induction, and in hepatocytes, p46Shc-dependent increase in pre-apoptotic proteins Bax/Bak, caspase 8, BAP31 cleavage and membrane translocation of CRT/Erp57 were seen. Idebenone protected against alcohol-mediated liver injury.CONCLUSION: Alcohol induces p46Shc-dependent activation of pre-apoptotic pathways and translocation of CRT to the membrane, where it acts as a DAMP, instigating immunogenicity. Shc inhibition could be a novel treatment strategy in AH.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.09.005

  View details for PubMedID 36122677

• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis during Aging. Aging and disease Li, Y., Adeniji, N. T., Fan, W., Kunimoto, K., Török, N. J. 2022; 13 (4): 1239-1251

  Abstract

  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have emerged as the leading causes of chronic liver disease-related mortality. The prevalence of NAFLD/NASH is expected to increase given the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Older patients are disproportionally affected by NASH and related complications such as progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, they are often ineligible for liver transplantation due to their frailty and comorbidities, and effective medical treatments are still lacking. In this review we focused on pathways that are key to the aging process in the liver and perpetuate NAFLD/NASH, leading to fibrosis. In addition, we highlighted recent findings and cross-talks of normal and/or senescent liver cells, dysregulated nutrient sensing, proteostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the framework of changing metabolic milieu. Better understanding these pathways during preclinical and clinical studies will be essential to design novel and specific therapeutic strategies to treat NASH in the elderly.

  View details for DOI 10.14336/AD.2022.0318

  View details for PubMedID 35855331

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9286912

• Allergen protease-activated stress granule assembly and gasdermin D fragmentation control interleukin-33 secretion. Nature immunology Chen, W., Chen, S., Yan, C., Zhang, Y., Zhang, R., Chen, M., Zhong, S., Fan, W., Zhu, S., Zhang, D., Lu, X., Zhang, J., Huang, Y., Zhu, L., Li, X., Lv, D., Fu, Y., Iv, H., Ling, Z., Ma, L., Jiang, H., Long, G., Zhu, J., Wu, D., Wu, B., Sun, B. 2022

  Abstract

  Interleukin-33 (IL-33), an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that responds rapidly to environmental insult, has a critical role in initiating airway inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying IL-33 secretion following allergen exposure is not clear. Here, we found that two cell events were fundamental for IL-33 secretion after exposure to allergens. First, stress granule assembly activated by allergens licensed the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of IL-33, but not the secretion of IL-33. Second, a neo-form murine amino-terminal p40 fragment gasdermin D (Gsdmd), whose generation was independent of inflammatory caspase-1 and caspase-11, dominated cytosolic secretion of IL-33 by forming pores in the cell membrane. Either the blockade of stress granule assembly or the abolishment of p40 production through amino acid mutation of residues 309-313 (ELRQQ) could efficiently prevent the release of IL-33 in murine epithelial cells. Our findings indicated that targeting stress granule disassembly and Gsdmd fragmentation could reduce IL-33-dependent allergic airway inflammation.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41590-022-01255-6

  View details for PubMedID 35794369

• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis during Aging AGING AND DISEASE Li, Y., Adeniji, N. T., Fan, W., Kunimoto, K., Torok, N. J. 2022

  View details for DOI 10.14336/AD.2022.0318

  View details for Web of Science ID 000793041300001

• 3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE Fan, W., Li, Y., Kunimoto, K., Torok, N. J. 2022

  Abstract

  Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States, affecting more than 70 million Americans. NASH can progress to fibrosis and eventually to cirrhosis, a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and maintains liver homeostasis via matricellular signals. Liver fibrosis results from an imbalance in the dynamic ECM remodeling process and is characterized by excessive accumulation of structural elements and associated changes in glycosaminoglycans. The typical fibrosis pattern of NASH is called "chicken wire," which usually consists of zone 3 perisinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis, based on features observed by Masson's trichrome stain and Picrosirius Red stains. However, these traditional thin two-dimensional (2D) tissue slide-based imaging techniques cannot demonstrate the detailed three-dimensional (3D) ECM structural changes, limiting the understanding of the dynamic ECM remodeling in liver fibrosis. The current work optimized a fast and efficient protocol to image the native ECM structure in the liver via decellularization to address the above challenges. Mice were fed either with chow or fast-food diet for 14 weeks. Decellularization was performed after in situ portal vein perfusion, and the two-photon microscopy techniques were applied to image and analyze changes in the native ECM. The 3D images of the normal and NASH livers were reconstituted and analyzed. Performing in situ perfusion decellularization and analyzing the scaffold by two-photon microscopy provided a practical and reliable platform to visualize the dynamic ECM remodeling in the liver.

  View details for DOI 10.3791/63106

  View details for PubMedID 35285832

• Transforming growth factor beta latency: A mechanism of cytokine storage and signalling regulation in liver homeostasis and disease. JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology Li, Y., Fan, W., Link, F., Wang, S., Dooley, S. 1800; 4 (2): 100397

  Abstract

  Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent effector in the liver, which is involved in a plethora of processes initiated upon liver injury. TGF-beta affects parenchymal, non-parenchymal, and inflammatory cells in a highly context-dependent manner. Its bioavailability is critical for a fast response to various insults. In the liver - and probably in other organs - this is made possible by the deposition of a large portion of TGF-beta in the extracellular matrix as an inactivated precursor form termed latent TGF-beta (L-TGF-beta). Several matrisomal proteins participate in matrix deposition, latent complex stabilisation, and activation of L-TGF-beta. Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) was recently identified as a critical factor in maintaining the latency of deposited L-TGF-beta in the healthy liver. Indeed, its depletion causes spontaneous TGF-beta signalling activation with deleterious effects on liver architecture and function. This review article presents the current knowledge on intracellular L-TGF-beta complex formation, secretion, matrix deposition, and activation and describes the proteins and processes involved. Further, we emphasise the therapeutic potential of toning down L-TGF-beta activation in liver fibrosis and liver cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100397

  View details for PubMedID 35059619

• 4-METHYLUMBELLIFERONE IMPROVES LIVER STIFFNESS, CHOLANGIOCYTE PROLIFERATION AND FIBROSIS IN THE Mdr2-/- MOUSE MODEL OF PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS (PSC) Kunimoto, K., Fan, W., Li, Y., Dehnad, A., Mozes, G., Wang, Y., Nagy, N., Bollyky, P., Torok, N. J. WILEY. 2021: 740A-741A

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707188003303

• P46Shc-MEDIATED MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION EXACERBATES NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS Li, Y., Jiang, J., Dehnad, A., Fish, S., Mozes, G., Fan, W., Tomilov, A., Cortopassi, G., Torok, N. J. WILEY. 2021: 1080A

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707188005171

• Editorial: Noninvasive Fibrosis Biomarkers in Patients With NASH With Diabetes. Hepatology communications Fan, W., Torok, N. J. 2021; 5 (4): 553–55

  Abstract

  This is an editorial about non-invasive fibrosis markers in patients with NASH and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hep4.1662

  View details for PubMedID 33860113

• Junctional and somatic hypermutation-induced CX4C motif is critical for the recognition of a highly conserved epitope on HCV E2 by a human broadly neutralizing antibody. Cellular & molecular immunology Yi, C., Xia, J., He, L., Ling, Z., Wang, X., Yan, Y., Wang, J., Zhao, X., Fan, W., Sun, X., Zhang, R., Ye, S., Zhang, R., Xu, Y., Ma, L., Zhang, Y., Zhou, H., Huang, Z., Niu, J., Long, G., Lu, J., Zhong, J., Sun, B. 2020

  Abstract

  Induction of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) that bind to the viral envelope glycoproteins is a major goal of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine research. The study of bNAbs arising in natural infection is essential in this endeavor. We generated a human antibody, 8D6, recognizing the E2 protein of HCV isolated from a chronic hepatitis C patient. This antibody shows broadly neutralizing activity, which covers a pan-genotypic panel of cell culture-derived HCV virions (HCVcc). Functional and epitope analyses demonstrated that 8D6 can block the interaction between E2 and CD81 by targeting a highly conserved epitope on E2. We describe how the 8D6 lineage evolved via somatic hypermutation to achieve broad neutralization. We found that the V(D)J recombination-generated junctional and somatic hypermutation-induced disulfide bridge (C-C) motif in the CDRH3 is critical for the broad neutralization and binding activity of 8D6. This motif is conserved among a series of broadly neutralizing HCV antibodies, indicating a common binding model. Next, the 8D6 inferred germline (iGL) was reconstructed and tested for its binding affinity and neutralization activity. Interestingly, 8D6 iGL-mediated relatively strong inhibition of the 1b genotype PR79L9 strain, suggesting that PR79L9 may serve as a potential natural viral strain that provides E2 sequences that induce bNAbs. Overall, our detailed epitope mapping and genetic studies of the HCV E2-specific mAb 8D6 have allowed for further refinement of antigenic sites on E2 and reveal a new mechanism to generate a functional CDRH3, while its iGL can serve as a probe to identify potential HCV vaccine strains.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41423-020-0403-1

  View details for PubMedID 32235917

• TRIM34 attenuates colon inflammation and tumorigenesis by sustaining barrier integrity. Cellular & molecular immunology Lian, Q., Yan, S., Yin, Q., Yan, C., Zheng, W., Gu, W., Zhao, X., Fan, W., Li, X., Ma, L., Ling, Z., Zhang, Y., Liu, J., Li, J., Sun, B. 2020

  Abstract

  Loss of the colonic inner mucus layer leads to spontaneously severe colitis and colorectal cancer. However, key host factors that may control the generation of the inner mucus layer are rarely reported. Here, we identify a novel function of TRIM34 in goblet cells (GCs) in controlling inner mucus layer generation. Upon DSS treatment, TRIM34 deficiency led to a reduction in Muc2 secretion by GCs and subsequent defects in the inner mucus layer. This outcome rendered TRIM34-deficient mice more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that TRIM34 controlled TLR signaling-induced Nox/Duox-dependent ROS synthesis, thereby promoting the compound exocytosis of Muc2 by colonic GCs that were exposed to bacterial TLR ligands. Clinical analysis revealed that TRIM34 levels in patient samples were correlated with the outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) and the prognosis of rectal adenocarcinoma. This study indicates that TRIM34 expression in GCs plays an essential role in generating the inner mucus layer and preventing excessive colon inflammation and tumorigenesis.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41423-020-0366-2

  View details for PubMedID 32094504

• ECM1 is an essential factor for the determination of M1 macrophage polarization in IBD in response to LPS stimulation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Zhang, Y., Li, X., Luo, Z., Ma, L., Zhu, S., Wang, Z., Wen, J., Cheng, S., Gu, W., Lian, Q., Zhao, X., Fan, W., Ling, Z., Ye, J., Zheng, S., Li, D., Wang, H., Liu, J., Sun, B. 2020

  Abstract

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises chronic relapsing disorders of the gastrointestinal tract characterized pathologically by intestinal inflammation and epithelial injury. Here, we uncover a function of extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) in promoting the pathogenesis of human and mouse IBD. ECM1 was highly expressed in macrophages, particularly tissue-infiltrated macrophages under inflammatory conditions, and ECM1 expression was significantly induced during IBD progression. The macrophage-specific knockout of ECM1 resulted in increased arginase 1 (ARG1) expression and impaired polarization into the M1 macrophage phenotype after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. A mechanistic study showed that ECM1 can regulate M1 macrophage polarization through the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/STAT5 signaling pathway. Pathological changes in mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced IBD were alleviated by the specific knockout of the ECM1 gene in macrophages. Taken together, our findings show that ECM1 has an important function in promoting M1 macrophage polarization, which is critical for controlling inflammation and tissue repair in the intestine.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1912774117

  View details for PubMedID 31980528

• Non-phagocytic Activation of NOX2 is Implicated in Progressive Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis During Aging. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Jiang, J. X., Fish, S. R., Tomilov, A. n., Li, Y. n., Fan, W. n., Dehnad, A. n., Gae, D. n., Das, S. n., Mozes, G. n., Charville, G. W., Ramsey, J. n., Cortopassi, G. n., Török, N. J. 2020

  Abstract

  Older patients with obesity/type II DM frequently present with advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Whether this is due to specific molecular pathways that accelerate fibrosis during aging, is unknown. Activation of the Src homology 2 domain containing collagen-related (Shc) proteins and redox stress have been recognized in aging, however their link to NASH has not been explored. Shc expression increased in livers of older patients with NASH, as assessed by RTqPCR or western blots. Fibrosis, Shc expression, markers of senescence and NADPH oxidases (NOXs) were studied in young/old mice on fast food diet (FFD). To inhibit Shc in old mice LV-shShc vs. control-LV were used during FFD. For hepatocyte-specific effects, fl/fl Shc mice on FFD were injected with AAV8-TBG-Cre vs. control. Fibrosis was accelerated in older mice on FFD, and Shc inhibition by LV in older mice, or hepatocyte-specific deletion resulted in significantly improved inflammation, reduction in senescence markers in older mice, lipid peroxidation and fibrosis. To study NOX2 activation, the interaction of p47phox (NOX2 regulatory subunit) and p52Shc was evaluated by proximity ligation, and co-IPs. Palmitate induced p52Shc binding to p47phox activating the NOX2 complex, more so at older age. Kinetics of binding were assessed in SH2 or PTB deletion mutants by biolayer interferometry, revealing the role of SH2 and the PTB domains. Lastly, an in silico model of p52Shc/p47phox interaction using RosettaDock was generated. Conclusion Accelerated fibrosis in the aged is modulated by p52Shc/NOX2. We show a novel pathway for direct activation of the phagocytic NOX2 in hepatocytes by p52Shc binding and activating the p47phox subunit that results in redox stress, and accelerated fibrosis in the aged.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hep.31118

  View details for PubMedID 31950520

• AGER1 downregulation associates with fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes. The Journal of clinical investigation Dehnad, A. n., Fan, W. n., Jiang, J. X., Fish, S. R., Li, Y. n., Das, S. n., Mozes, G. n., Wong, K. A., Olson, K. A., Charville, G. W., Ali, M. n., Török, N. J. 2020

  Abstract

  Type 2 diabetes is clinically associated with progressive necroinflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulate during prolonged hyperglycemia, but the mechanistic pathways that lead to accelerated liver fibrosis have not been well defined. In this study, we show that the AGEs clearance receptor AGER1 was downregulated in patients with NASH and diabetes and in our NASH models, whereas the proinflammatory receptor RAGE was induced. These findings were associated with necroinflammatory, fibrogenic, and pro-oxidant activity via the NADPH oxidase 4. Inhibition of AGEs or RAGE deletion in hepatocytes in vivo reversed these effects. We demonstrate that dysregulation of NRF2 by neddylation of cullin 3 was linked to AGER1 downregulation and that induction of NRF2 using an adeno-associated virus-mediated approach in hepatocytes in vivo reversed AGER1 downregulation, lowered the level of AGEs, and improved proinflammatory and fibrogenic responses in mice on a high AGEs diet. In patients with NASH and diabetes or insulin resistance, low AGER1 levels were associated with hepatocyte ballooning degeneration and ductular reaction. Collectively, prolonged exposure to AGEs in the liver promotes an AGER1/RAGE imbalance and consequent redox, inflammatory, and fibrogenic activity in NASH.

  View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI133051

  View details for PubMedID 32657776

• ECM1 Prevents Activation of Transforming Growth Factor β, Hepatic Stellate Cells, and Fibrogenesis in Mice. Gastroenterology Fan, W., Liu, T., Chen, W., Hammad, S., Longerich, T., Hausser, I., Fu, Y., Li, N., He, Y., Liu, C., Zhang, Y., Lian, Q., Zhao, X., Yan, C., Li, L., Yi, C., Ling, Z., Ma, L., Zhao, X., Xu, H., Wang, P., Cong, M., You, H., Liu, Z., Wang, Y., Chen, J., Li, D., Hui, L., Dooley, S., Hou, J., Jia, J., Sun, B. 2019; 157 (5): 1352-1367.e13

  Abstract

  Activation of TGFB (transforming growth factor β) promotes liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but the mechanisms of TGFB activation are not clear. We investigated the role of ECM1 (extracellular matrix protein 1), which interacts with extracellular and structural proteins, in TGFB activation in mouse livers.We performed studies with C57BL/6J mice (controls), ECM1-knockout (ECM1-KO) mice, and mice with hepatocyte-specific knockout of EMC1 (ECM1Δhep). ECM1 or soluble TGFBR2 (TGFB receptor 2) were expressed in livers of mice after injection of an adeno-associated virus vector. Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Livers were collected from mice and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence analyses. Hepatocytes and HSCs were isolated from livers of mice and incubated with ECM1; production of cytokines and activation of reporter genes were quantified. Liver tissues from patients with viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis (with different stages of fibrosis) and individuals with healthy livers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.ECM1-KO mice spontaneously developed liver fibrosis and died by 2 months of age without significant hepatocyte damage or inflammation. In liver tissues of mice, we found that ECM1 stabilized extracellular matrix-deposited TGFB in its inactive form by interacting with αv integrins to prevent activation of HSCs. In liver tissues from patients and in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, we found an inverse correlation between level of ECM1 and severity of fibrosis. CCl4-induced liver fibrosis was accelerated in ECM1Δhep mice compared with control mice. Hepatocytes produced the highest levels of ECM1 in livers of mice. Ectopic expression of ECM1 or soluble TGFBR2 in liver prevented fibrogenesis in ECM1-KO mice and prolonged their survival. Ectopic expression of ECM1 in liver also reduced the severity of CCl4-induced fibrosis in mice.ECM1, produced by hepatocytes, inhibits activation of TGFB and its activation of HSCs to prevent fibrogenesis in mouse liver. Strategies to increase levels of ECM1 in liver might be developed for treatment of fibrosis.

  View details for DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.07.036

  View details for PubMedID 31362006

• Extracellular matrix protein 1 promotes follicular helper T cell differentiation and antibody production. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America He, L., Gu, W., Wang, M., Chang, X., Sun, X., Zhang, Y., Lin, X., Yan, C., Fan, W., Su, P., Wang, Y., Yi, C., Lin, G., Li, L., Jiang, Y., Lu, J., Dong, C., Wang, H., Sun, B. 2018; 115 (34): 8621-8626

  Abstract

  T-follicular helper (TFH) cells are a subset of CD4+ helper T cells that help germinal center (GC) B-cell differentiation and high-affinity antibody production during germinal center reactions. Whether important extracellular molecules control TFH differentiation is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that a secreted protein extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is critical for TFH differentiation and antibody response. A lack of ECM1 inhibited TFH cell development and impaired GC B-cell reactions and antigen-specific antibody production in an antigen-immunized mouse model. ECM1 was induced by IL-6 and IL-21 in TFH cells, promoting TFH differentiation by down-regulating the level of STAT5 phosphorylation and up-regulating Bcl6 expression. Furthermore, injection of recombinant ECM1 protein into mice infected with PR8 influenza virus promoted protective immune responses effectively, by enhancing TFH differentiation and neutralizing antibody production. Collectively, our data identify ECM1 as a soluble protein to promote TFH cell differentiation and antibody production.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1801196115

  View details for PubMedID 30087185

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6112729

• IFN-λ4 desensitizes the response to IFN-α treatment in chronic hepatitis C through long-term induction of USP18. The Journal of general virology Fan, W., Xie, S., Zhao, X., Li, N., Chang, C., Li, L., Yu, G., Chi, X., Pan, Y., Niu, J., Zhong, J., Sun, B. 2016; 97 (9): 2210-2220

  Abstract

  The recently discovered interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a new member of the human type III interferons which could induce a strong antiviral effect through the JAK-STAT cascade. However, hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who are capable of expressing IFN-λ4 usually have poor response to IFN-α treatment, and the mechanism behind this paradox remains unknown. Here, we reported that IFN-λ4 desensitized IFN-α-stimulated JAK-STAT signalling. Microarray analysis revealed that IFN-λ4 could induce ubiquitin specific peptidase 18 (USP18), a known inhibitor of the type I IFN signalling pathway, in a more sustained pattern compared with type I interferon induction. Moreover, only HCV genotype 1b but not 2a replicon cells pretreated with IFN-λ4 had an attenuated response to type I IFN treatment, which might be due to the different level of USP18 expression. Consistently, knockdown of USP18 in HCV genotype 1b-containing replicon cells reversed the resistance induced by IFN-λ4 and promoted viral clearance. Finally, IFN-λ4 is also strongly associated with the poor response to IFN-α in a Chinese HCV genotype 1b cohort. In conclusion, these data indicate that IFN-λ4 attenuates the response of HCV genotype 1b to IFN-α therapy and inhibits the JAK-STAT signalling pathway by inducing USP18 expression.

  View details for DOI 10.1099/jgv.0.000522

  View details for PubMedID 27302182