Hepatic Cell News Volume 4.11 | Mar 27 2020

TOP STORY

Gut-Resident Lactobacilli Activate Hepatic Nrf2 and Protect against Oxidative Liver Injury

The human commensal Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) potently activated Nrf2 in the Drosophila liver analog and the murine liver. This activation was sufficient to protect against two models of oxidative liver injury, acetaminophen overdose and acute ethanol toxicity. [Cell Metab] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Sorafenib-Conjugated Zinc Phthalocyanine-Based Nanocapsule for Trimodal Therapy in an Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenograft Mouse Model

The obtained zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and sorafenib (SFB) nanoparticle (ZnPc/SFB@BSA) was able to trigger photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy. After irradiation by a 730 nm light, ZnPc/SFB@BSA significantly suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis, while promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Myofibroblast Induces Hepatocyte-to-Ductal Metaplasia via Laminin–ɑvβ6 Integrin in Liver Fibrosis

In a hepatocyte fate-tracing mouse model, investigators demonstrated the conversion of mature hepatocytes into ductal bilary epithelial cells in fibrotic liver, and the depletion of myofibroblasts diminished the hepatocyte-to-ductal metaplasia. The mechanism underlying the metaplasia was investigated. [Cell Death Dis] Abstract

The Human Novel Gene LNC-HC Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Sequestering hsa-miR-183-5p

Mechanistically, LNC-HC inhibited the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by directly interacting with hsa-miR-183-5p. LNC-HC rescued the expression of five tumor suppressors, including AKAP12, DYRK2, FOXN3, FOXO1 and LATS2, that were verified as target genes of hsa-miR-183-5p. [Mol Ther Nucleic Acids] Abstract | Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Insulin Activates Hepatic Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling through Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 and Porcupine

An adenoviral TRE-Luciferase reporter was used as a readout of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, in vivo in mouse liver and in vitro in primary hepatocytes. Refeeding enhanced TRE-Luciferase activity and expression of Wnt target genes in mice liver, revealing a nutritional regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Therapeutic Effects of the PKR Inhibitor C16 Suppressing Tumor Proliferation and Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo

The therapeutic effects of C16, which is an inhibitor of RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), on growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and tumor progression in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. Huh7 cells, a human HCC cell line, were used. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorγinhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Regulated by miR-942 in Chronic Hepatitis B Liver Fibrosis

70 chronic hepatitis B patients’ liver tissues were used to assess PPARγ, α-SMA and miR-942 levels by immunoblot and real-time PCR. Human primary hepatic stellate cells or LX2 cells were used to perform multiple molecular experiments based on the transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) or co-transfection of microRNA inhibitor. [Life Sci] Abstract

Identification of Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells as Liver Metastasis Initiating Cells in Mouse Tumor Models

Using diverse tumor models including p53^-/- genetic mouse model and syngeneic tumor models, the authors identified primordial germ cell-like tumor cells, which were enriched in earliest liver micro-metastasis, as a cell origin of liver metastasis. [Cell Discov] Full Article

ACADL Plays a Tumor-Suppressor Role by Targeting Hippo/YAP Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Scientists found that long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACADL) was frequently downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its low expression was significantly correlated with poor clinical prognosis of HCC patients. [npj Precis Oncol] Full Article

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Beneficial Effects of the Ketogenic Diet on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The authors provide an accurate revision of current literature on ketogenic diets and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, focusing on clinical evidence, metabolic pathways involved, and strict categorization of dietary interventions. [Obes Rev] Full Article

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the hepatic cell research field.

Takeda Signs $882M Rare Disease Alliance with Oxford Biotech Evox

Evox Therapeutics snared an $882 million partnership with Takeda for up to five rare disease programmes. The alliance- which includes $44 million in upfront fees, near-term milestones and research funding- is focusing on the development of protein replacement and mRNA therapies that will be delivered using the Oxford University spin-out’s exosome delivery platform. [Evox Therapeutics (Pharmaphorum Medium Limited)] Press Release

Cyclo Therapeutics Inc. Announces Positive Safety Profile of Its Drug Trappsol^® Cyclo™ in the Treatment of Niemann Pick Disease Type C

Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the Safety Review Committee for its Phase I trial in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C has determined that Trappsol^® Cyclo™ has an acceptable safety profile in patients with Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. [Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Tens of Thousands of Scientists Are Redeploying to Fight Coronavirus

As labs shut down around the world, researchers are finding creative ways to donate their time, supplies and expertise. [Nature News] Editorial

Universities Issue Hiring Freezes in Response to COVID-19

Numerous universities have made announcements about the suspension of hiring, including Miami University of Ohio, Wright State University, Villanova University, the University of Nevada, Reno, Indiana University, and the University of Auckland in New Zealand, which cites the travel ban affecting Chinese students as one of the main causes of its freeze. [The Scientist] Editorial

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NEW Staff Scientist – Therapeutics for Gastrointestinal Cancers (City of Hope)

Postdoctoral Position – Metabolic Diseases (University of Southern Denmark)

Postdoctoral Position – Liver Pathogenesis (Washington University in St.Louis)

Therapuetic Specialist – Inflammation (Gilead Sciences Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – The Microbiome in Liver Disease (University of Oslo)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Liver Pathogenesis (Washington University in St. Louis)

Senior Postdoctoral Research Assistant – Liver Research (University of Dundee)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Fatty Liver Dieases (University of Kansas Medical Center)

Team Leader – Cholangiocytes (Miromatrix Medical)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease (NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

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