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Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Aug 2019The liver is both an immunologically complex and a privileged organ. The innate immune system is a central player, in which the complement system emerges as a pivotal... (Review)
Review
The liver is both an immunologically complex and a privileged organ. The innate immune system is a central player, in which the complement system emerges as a pivotal part of liver homeostasis, immune responses, and crosstalk with other effector systems in both innate and adaptive immunity. The liver produces the majority of the complement proteins and is the home of important immune cells such as Kupffer cells. Liver immune responses are delicately tuned between tolerance to many antigens flowing in from the alimentary tract, a tolerance that likely makes the liver less prone to rejection than other solid organ transplants, and reaction to local injury, systemic inflammation, and regeneration. Notably, complement is a double-edged sword as activation is detrimental by inducing inflammatory tissue damage in, for example, ischemia-reperfusion injury and transplant rejection yet is beneficial for liver tissue regeneration. Therapeutic complement inhibition is rapidly developing for routine clinical treatment of several diseases. In the liver, targeted inhibition of damaged tissue may be a rational and promising approach to avoid further tissue destruction and simultaneously preserve beneficial effects of complement in areas of proliferation. Here, we argue that complement is a key system to manipulate in the liver in several clinical settings, including liver injury and regeneration after major surgery and preservation of the organ during transplantation.
Topics: Complement System Proteins; Graft Rejection; Humans; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Liver Transplantation; Reperfusion Injury; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30653682
DOI: 10.1002/hep.30508 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2020The liver is a unique organ with an abundant regenerative capacity. Therefore, partial hepatectomy (PHx) or partial liver transplantation (PLTx) can be safely performed.... (Review)
Review
The liver is a unique organ with an abundant regenerative capacity. Therefore, partial hepatectomy (PHx) or partial liver transplantation (PLTx) can be safely performed. Liver regeneration involves a complex network of numerous hepatotropic factors, cytokines, pathways, and transcriptional factors. Compared with liver regeneration after a viral- or drug-induced liver injury, that of post-PHx or -PLTx has several distinct features, such as hemodynamic changes in portal venous flow or pressure, tissue ischemia/hypoxia, and hemostasis/platelet activation. Although some of these changes also occur during liver regeneration after a viral- or drug-induced liver injury, they are more abrupt and drastic following PHx or PLTx, and can thus be the main trigger and driving force of liver regeneration. In this review, we first provide an overview of the molecular biology of liver regeneration post-PHx and -PLTx. Subsequently, we summarize some clinical conditions that negatively, or sometimes positively, interfere with liver regeneration after PHx or PLTx, such as marginal livers including aged or fatty liver and the influence of immunosuppression.
Topics: Animals; Fatty Liver; Hepatectomy; Humans; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Liver Transplantation
PubMed: 33182515
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218414 -
Annual Review of Pathology Jan 2021Studies of the regenerative capacity of the liver have converged on the Hippo pathway, a serine/threonine kinase cascade discovered in and conserved from unicellular... (Review)
Review
Studies of the regenerative capacity of the liver have converged on the Hippo pathway, a serine/threonine kinase cascade discovered in and conserved from unicellular organisms to mammals. Genetic studies of mouse and rat livers have revealed that the Hippo pathway is a key regulator of liver size, regeneration, development, metabolism, and homeostasis and that perturbations in the Hippo pathway can lead to the development of common liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and liver cancer. In turn, pharmacological targeting of the Hippo pathway may be utilized to boost regeneration and to prevent the development and progression of liver diseases. We review current insights provided by the Hippo pathway into liver pathophysiology. Furthermore, we present a path forward for future studies to understand how newly identified components of the Hippo pathway may control liver physiology and how the Hippo pathway is regulated in the liver.
Topics: Animals; Hippo Signaling Pathway; Homeostasis; Humans; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Mice; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Rats; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33234023
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-030420-105050 -
Cell Stem Cell Jun 2022The liver carries a remarkable ability to regenerate rapidly after acute zonal damage. Single-cell approaches are necessary to study this process, given the spatial...
The liver carries a remarkable ability to regenerate rapidly after acute zonal damage. Single-cell approaches are necessary to study this process, given the spatial heterogeneity of liver cell types. Here, we use spatially resolved single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to study the dynamics of mouse liver regeneration after acute acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication. We find that hepatocytes proliferate throughout the liver lobule, creating the mitotic pressure required to repopulate the necrotic pericentral zone rapidly. A subset of hepatocytes located at the regenerating front transiently upregulate fetal-specific genes, including Afp and Cdh17, as they reprogram to a pericentral state. Zonated endothelial, hepatic stellate cell (HSC), and macrophage populations are differentially involved in immune recruitment, proliferation, and matrix remodeling. We observe massive transient infiltration of myeloid cells, yet stability of lymphoid cell abundance, in accordance with a global decline in antigen presentation. Our study provides a resource for understanding the coordinated programs of zonal liver regeneration.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Animals; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Hepatocytes; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Mice
PubMed: 35659879
DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.04.008 -
Trends in Cell Biology Apr 2020The liver, whose major functional cell type is the hepatocyte, is a peculiar organ with remarkable regenerative capacity. The widely held notion that hepatic progenitor... (Review)
Review
The liver, whose major functional cell type is the hepatocyte, is a peculiar organ with remarkable regenerative capacity. The widely held notion that hepatic progenitor cells contribute to injury-induced liver regeneration has long been debated. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the plasticity of differentiated cells is a major mechanism for the cell source in injury-induced liver regeneration. Investigating cell plasticity could potentially expand our understanding of liver physiology and facilitate the development of new therapies for liver diseases. In this review, we summarize the cell sources for hepatocyte regeneration and the clinical relevance of cell plasticity for human liver diseases. We focus on mechanistic insights on the injury-induced cell plasticity of hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells and discuss future directions for investigation. Specifically, we propose the notion of 'reprogramming competence' to explain the plasticity of differentiated hepatocytes.
Topics: Animals; Cell Plasticity; Epithelial Cells; Hepatocytes; Homeostasis; Humans; Liver Regeneration; Models, Biological
PubMed: 32200807
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.01.007 -
Cell Stem Cell Oct 2020Following injury, the liver's epithelial cells regenerate efficiently with rapid proliferation of hepatocytes and biliary cells. However, when proliferation of resident... (Review)
Review
Following injury, the liver's epithelial cells regenerate efficiently with rapid proliferation of hepatocytes and biliary cells. However, when proliferation of resident epithelial cells is impaired, alternative regeneration mechanisms can occur. Intricate lineage-tracing strategies and experimental models of regenerative stress have revealed a degree of plasticity between hepatocytes and biliary cells. New technologies such as single-cell omics, in combination with functional studies, will be instrumental to uncover the remaining unknowns in the field. In this review, we evaluate the experimental and clinical evidence for epithelial plasticity in the liver and how this influences the development of therapeutic strategies for chronic liver disease.
Topics: Cell Proliferation; Epithelial Cells; Hepatocytes; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Regeneration
PubMed: 32971004
DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.08.016 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Feb 2021The liver is organized into zones in which hepatocytes express different metabolic enzymes. The cells most responsible for liver repopulation and regeneration remain...
The liver is organized into zones in which hepatocytes express different metabolic enzymes. The cells most responsible for liver repopulation and regeneration remain undefined, because fate mapping has only been performed on a few hepatocyte subsets. Here, 14 murine fate-mapping strains were used to systematically compare distinct subsets of hepatocytes. During homeostasis, cells from both periportal zone 1 and pericentral zone 3 contracted in number, whereas cells from midlobular zone 2 expanded in number. Cells within zone 2, which are sheltered from common injuries, also contributed to regeneration after pericentral and periportal injuries. Repopulation from zone 2 was driven by the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2-mechanistic target of rapamycin-cyclin D1 (IGFBP2-mTOR-CCND1) axis. Therefore, different regions of the lobule exhibit differences in their contribution to hepatocyte turnover, and zone 2 is an important source of new hepatocytes during homeostasis and regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Biliary Tract; Biliary Tract Diseases; Cell Proliferation; Cyclin D1; Gene Knock-In Techniques; Hepatocytes; Homeostasis; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Mice; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 33632817
DOI: 10.1126/science.abb1625 -
Cells Jan 2023We have studied whether growth factors, cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, and local hormones (autacoids) promote the proliferation of hepatic parenchymal cells... (Review)
Review
We have studied whether growth factors, cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, and local hormones (autacoids) promote the proliferation of hepatic parenchymal cells (i.e., hepatocytes) using in vitro primary cultured hepatocytes. The indicators used for this purpose include changes in DNA synthesis activity, nuclear number, cell number, cell cycle, and gene expression. In addition, the intracellular signaling pathways from the plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus have been examined in detail for representative growth-promoting factors that have been found to promote DNA synthesis and cell proliferation of hepatocytes. In examining intracellular signaling pathways, the effects of specific inhibitors of presumed signaling factors involved have been pharmacologically confirmed, and the phosphorylation activities of the signaling factors (e.g., RTK, ERK, mTOR, and p70 S6K) have been evaluated. As a result, it has been found that there are many factors that promote the proliferation of hepatocytes (e.g., HGF, EGF, TGF-α, IL-1β, TNF-α, insulin, growth hormone (GH), prostaglandin (PG)), and serotonin (5-HT)), while there are very few factors (e.g., TGF-β1 and glucocorticoids) that inhibit the effects of growth-promoting factors. We have also found that 5-HT and GH promote the proliferation of hepatocytes via different autocrine factors (e.g., TGF-α and IGF-I, respectively). Using primary cultured hepatocytes, it will be possible to further study the molecular and cellular aspects of liver regeneration.
Topics: Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Liver Regeneration; Serotonin; Hepatocytes; DNA; Hormones
PubMed: 36672143
DOI: 10.3390/cells12020208 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Dec 2021The liver is innervated by autonomic and sensory fibers of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that regulate liver function, regeneration, and disease.... (Review)
Review
The liver is innervated by autonomic and sensory fibers of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that regulate liver function, regeneration, and disease. Although the importance of the hepatic nervous system in maintaining and restoring liver homeostasis is increasingly appreciated, much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms by which hepatic nerves both influence and are influenced by liver diseases. While recent work has begun to illuminate the developmental mechanisms underlying recruitment of nerves to the liver, evolutionary differences contributing to species-specific patterns of hepatic innervation remain elusive. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the development of the hepatic nervous system and its role in liver regeneration and disease. We also highlight areas in which further investigation would greatly enhance our understanding of the evolution and function of liver innervation.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Regeneration; Mice
PubMed: 34256416
DOI: 10.1002/hep.32055 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Jan 2022Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα, NR1C1) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor involved in the regulation of lipid catabolism and energy...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα, NR1C1) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor involved in the regulation of lipid catabolism and energy homeostasis. PPARα activation induces hepatomegaly and plays an important role in liver regeneration, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
APPROACH AND RESULTS
In this study, the effect of PPARα activation on liver enlargement and regeneration was investigated in several strains of genetically modified mice. PPARα activation by the specific agonist WY-14643 significantly induced hepatomegaly and accelerated liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) in wild-type mice and Ppara mice, while these effects were abolished in hepatocyte-specific Ppara-deficient (Ppara ) mice. Moreover, PPARα activation promoted hepatocyte hypertrophy around the central vein area and hepatocyte proliferation around the portal vein area. Mechanistically, PPARα activation regulated expression of yes-associated protein (YAP) and its downstream targets (connective tissue growth factor, cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61, and ankyrin repeat domain 1) as well as proliferation-related proteins (cyclins A1, D1, and E1). Binding of YAP with the PPARα E domain was critical for the interaction between YAP and PPARα. PPARα activation further induced nuclear translocation of YAP. Disruption of the YAP-transcriptional enhancer factor domain family member (TEAD) association significantly suppressed PPARα-induced hepatomegaly and hepatocyte enlargement and proliferation. In addition, PPARα failed to induce hepatomegaly in adeno-associated virus-Yap short hairpin RNA-treated mice and liver-specific Yap-deficient mice. Blockade of YAP signaling abolished PPARα-induced hepatocyte hypertrophy around the central vein area and hepatocyte proliferation around the portal vein area.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed a function of PPARα in regulating liver size and liver regeneration through activation of the YAP-TEAD signaling pathway. These findings have implications for understanding the physiological functions of PPARα and suggest its potential for manipulation of liver size and liver regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Hepatectomy; Hepatocytes; Hepatomegaly; Humans; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; PPAR alpha; Pyrimidines; Signal Transduction; TEA Domain Transcription Factors; YAP-Signaling Proteins
PubMed: 34387904
DOI: 10.1002/hep.32105