EZH2-mediated repression of Dkk1 promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: EZH2, a histone H3 lysine-27-specific methyltransferase, is involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes including cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the role of EZH2 in liver fibrosis is largely unknown. In this study, it was identified that EZH2 promoted Wnt pathway-stimulated fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo by repressing Dkk-1, which is a Wnt pathway antagonist. The expression of EZH2 was increased in CCl₄ -induced rat liver and primary HSCs as well as TGF-β1-treated HSC-T6, whereas the expression of Dkk1 was reduced. Silencing of EZH2 prevented TGF-β1-induced proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and the expression of α-SMA. In addition, knockdown of Dkk1 promoted TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs. Moreover, silencing of EZH2 could restore the repressi

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5618695 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature