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HNF4α nuclear localization correlates with the clinical progression of terminal hepatic failure in humans

ABSTRACT: HNF4α is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in terminal hepatocyte failure. HNF4α-based reprogramming therapy can correct terminal liver failure in rats and humans. As liver disease progresses, HNF4α expression decreases in the nuclei of hepatocytes, leading to impaired regulation and hepatic function. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are a fundamental regulatory mechanism of protein function and localization. In this study, we analyzed HNF4α localization and pathways involved in HNF4α PTMs in human hepatocytes at different stages of decompensated liver function upon Child-Pugh classification. RNA-seq analysis revealed that HNF4α and the PTMs-pathway related to AKT are down-regulation in cirrhotic hepatocytes with terminal failure. These findings were confirmed by protein expression, where the HNF4α nuclear levels are significantly reduced in Child‐Pugh B and C hepatocytes, whereas cytoplasmic expression of HNF4α was increased. Moreover, cMET and phospho-AKT were significantly reduced in Child‐Pugh B and C hepatocytes. The association and statistical contribution of cMET and phospho-AKT to the nuclear localization of HNF4α were confirmed by Spearman’s rank correlation test and pathway analysis. Principal component analysis was used to characterize the protein profiles related to the degree of liver dysfunction. Additionally, HNF4α acetylation was significantly reduced in failing human hepatocytes when compared to normal controls, demonstrating a significant correlation to the degree of hepatic function. Conclusion: These results suggest that the alterations in the cMET-AKT pathway directly correlate to HNF4α localization and the level of hepatic dysfunction. In conclusion, this study has therapeutic implications and suggests that manipulation of these pathways may restore hepatocyte function in terminal liver failure.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE134422 | GEO | 2020/03/19

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gaining evermore importance due to rapidly rising incidence rates especially in western countries. As the disease progresses, it can develop into hepatocellular carcinoma. Related metabolic changes have been extensively studied in the past. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of fatty liver disease remain uncovered. Here we show that the basal phosphorylation of the MET receptor can be used as an indicator for hepatocyte dysregulation in fatty liver disease. Using primary hepatocytes isolated from a preclinical model fed with high-fat, high-sugar diet (Western diet; WD) or standard diet (SD), we find a strong downregulation of the PI3K-AKT pathway and upregulation of the MAPK pathway in the WD derived hepatocytes. By developing a mathematical model of HGF-induced signal transduction, calibrated with quantitative time-resolved measurements of both PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways, we resolve molecular mechanisms responsible for these alterations. Thereby, we identify the basal MET phosphorylation rate as main driver for the altered signal transduction in WD hepatocytes that even leads to an increased proliferation behavior of the usually quiescent hepatocytes in the absence of growth factors. The adaptation of the dynamic pathway model of HGF signal transduction to patient-derived hepatocytes reveals a patient-specific variability of basal MET phosphorylation levels, which correlates with the clinical outcome of patients after liver surgery. These findings suggest that the dysregulated basal MET phosphorylation could be exploited to assess the health status of the liver and thereby inform estimation of the risk of a patient to suffer from liver failure after surgery.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gaining evermore importance due to rapidly rising incidence rates especially in western countries. As the disease progresses, it can develop into hepatocellular carcinoma. Related metabolic changes have been extensively studied in the past. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of fatty liver disease remain uncovered. Here we show that the basal phosphorylation of the MET receptor can be used as an indicator for hepatocyte dysregulation in fatty liver disease. Using primary hepatocytes isolated from a preclinical model fed with high-fat, high-sugar diet (Western diet; WD) or standard diet (SD), we find a strong downregulation of the PI3K-AKT pathway and upregulation of the MAPK pathway in the WD derived hepatocytes. By developing a mathematical model of HGF-induced signal transduction, calibrated with quantitative time-resolved measurements of both PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways, we resolve molecular mechanisms responsible for these alterations. Thereby, we identify the basal MET phosphorylation rate as main driver for the altered signal transduction in WD hepatocytes that even leads to an increased proliferation behavior of the usually quiescent hepatocytes in the absence of growth factors. The adaptation of the dynamic pathway model of HGF signal transduction to patient-derived hepatocytes reveals a patient-specific variability of basal MET phosphorylation levels, which correlates with the clinical outcome of patients after liver surgery. These findings suggest that the dysregulated basal MET phosphorylation could be exploited to assess the health status of the liver and thereby inform estimation of the risk of a patient to suffer from liver failure after surgery.

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HNF4α nuclear localization correlates with the clinical progression of terminal hepatic failure in humans

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