Inactivation of Hepatic Stellate Cells During Reversal of Liver Fibrosis

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Chronic liver injury results in hepatic fibrosis, in which quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) activate into myofibroblasts, depositing extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cessation of fibrogenic stimuli often results in regression of liver fibrosis and is associated with the disappearance of activated HSCs (aHSCs)/myofibroblasts. We have recently demonstrated that some aHSCs apoptose, while other aHSCs inactivate (iHSCs) into a quiescent-like phenotype. The overall goals of this Project are to identify the molecular factors that may prevent HSC activation into myofibroblasts, or that revert aHSC into an inactivated state. Our central hypothesis is that genome wide epigenetic changes regulate HSC phenotype by activation (or suppression) of transcriptional activity in HSCs. We also hypothesize that activation of PPAR?-target genes regulates quiescent and inactivated HSC phenotypes. AIM1: We will assess the genome wide methylation and acetylation sites using ChIP-Seq in qHSCs, aHSCs and iHSCs in order to identify motifs and transcription factors critical for HSC inactivation. Using in vitro systems, we will determine f siRNA knock-down or overexpression of these factors blocks HSC activation, or triggers HSC inactivation. AIM2: We have demonstrated that PPAR? is re-expressed in HSCs during inactivation. To gain a greater insight into the mechanisms of HSC inactivation, we will conduct a broad investigation of the epigenetic changes that regulate PPAR?-target genes in distinct HSC phenotypes (qHSCs, aHSCs and iHSCs). We will test if functional inhibition of these genes affects the qHSC and iHSC phenotypes. AIM3: We will assess the role of PPAR? and PPAR? target genes in HSC biology in vivo using knockout mice, in which PPAR? is constitutively or inducibly deleted specifically in HSCs. A specific role of PPAR? in the maintenance of quiescent HSC phenotype and inactivation of aHSCs will be assessed in PPAR?-deficient HSCs versus wild type HSCs. We anticipate that the collective results obtained in AIMs 1-3 will identify specific factors that can revert aHSCs into an inactivated quiescent-like state. AIM4: Our findings in mice must be translated to patients with fibrotic liver disease. To examine how human HSCs inactivate, quiescent human HSCs will be engrafted into livers of Rag2-/-?c-/- mice, and their activation will be induced in vivo by CCl4 followed by recovery. Human qHSCs, aHSCs and iHSCs will be isolated at each time point and analyzed by RT-PCR, Human genome microarray and flow cytometry. Next, human iHSCs will be subjected to ChIP-Seq analysis, and inactivation-specific targets will be identified (and compared to that in mouse iHSCs). The ability of these targets to inactivate human aHSCs into a quiescent-like state will be tested in vitro and in vivo using siRNA knock-down or intrahepatic transplantation of human HSCs into Rag2-/-?c-/- mice. The results of our studies will give new insight into mechanisms underlying HSC inactivation in mice and patients, identifying potential therapeutic targets that can induce inactivation of activated HSCs/myofibroblasts in fibrotic liver.