激活FXR抑制结肠癌细胞浸润转移及MMP-7的表达

目的:探讨法尼酯X受体(FXR)特异性激动剂GW4064抑制结肠癌细胞浸润转移的机制。方法:在体外培养人结肠癌细胞HT-29,应用GW4064作用于结肠癌细胞,以四唑氮蓝还原法(MTT)检测细胞活性的变化。用transwell小室研究结肠癌细胞的迁移及浸润。用RT-PCR检测FXRm RNA及MMP-7mRNA表达的变化,用western blot检测FXR及MMP-7蛋白表达的变化。结果:MTT结果显示GW4064作用于人结直肠HT-29细胞的生长抑制率呈浓度依赖性;transwell小室结果显示GW4064抑制结肠癌细胞的浸润转移,与对照组相比,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),RT-PCR及Western blot显示GW4064促进FXR m RNA及蛋白表达,抑制MMP-7mRNA及蛋白的表达,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:GW4064抑制结肠癌细胞的生长及转移,上调HT-29细胞FXR m RNA及蛋白的表达,下调HT-29细胞MMP-7 m RNA及蛋白的表达。FXR被激活后抑制结肠癌细胞转移,MMP-7可能是其作用通路之一。     

Increased contractility of hepatic stellate cells in cirrhosis is mediated by enhanced Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-sensitization pathways

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) results in cirrhosis and portal hypertension due to intrahepatic resistance. Activated HSCs increase their contraction after receptor agonist stimulation; however, the signaling pathways for the regulation of contraction are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the change in contractile mechanisms of HSCs after cirrhotic activation. The expression pattern of contractile regulatory proteins was analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The phosphorylation levels of myosin light chain (MLC), 17-kDa PKC-potentiated protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor protein (CPI-17), and MLC phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) after endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulation in culture-activated HSCs were measured using phosphorylation-specific antibodies. In vivo-activated HSCs were isolated from rats subjected to bile duct ligation and repeated dimethylnitrosoamine injections. HSCs showed increased expression of not only α-smooth muscle actin, but also the contractile regulatory proteins MLC kinase (MLCK), Rho kinase 2 (ROCK2), and CPI-17 during HSC activation in vitro. In culture-activated HSCs, ET-1 increased phosphorylation of CPI-17 at Thr18, which was markedly inhibited by the PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8425. ET-1 induced phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr853, which was suppressed by the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. ET-1 induced sustained phosphorylation of MLC at Thr18/Ser19, which was inhibited by both Ro-31-8425 and Y-27632. Consistent with the data obtained from the in vitro study, HSCs isolated from cirrhotic rats showed increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin, MLCK, CPI-17, and ROCK2 compared with HSCs from nontreated rats. Furthermore, MLC phosphorylation in in vivo-activated HSCs was increased, according to enhanced phosphorylation of CPI-17 and MYPT1 in the presence of ET-1. These results suggest that activated HSCs may participate in constriction of hepatic sinusoids in the cirrhotic liver through both Ca(2+)-dependent (MLCK pathway) and Ca(2+)-sensitization mechanism (CPI-17 and MYPT1 pathways).     

Bile acid receptor agonist GW4064 regulates PPARγ coactivator-1α expression through estrogen receptor-related receptor α

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is induced in energy-starved conditions and is a key regulator of energy homeostasis. This makes PGC-1α an attractive therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In our effort to identify new regulators of PGC-1α expression, we found that GW4064, a widely used synthetic agonist for the nuclear bile acid receptor [farnesoid X receptor (FXR)] strongly enhances PGC-1α promoter reporter activity, mRNA, and protein expression. This induction in PGC-1α concomitantly enhances mitochondrial mass and expression of several PGC-1α target genes involved in mitochondrial function. Using FXR-rich or FXR-nonexpressing cell lines and tissues, we found that this effect of GW4064 is not mediated directly by FXR but occurs via activation of estrogen receptor-related receptor α (ERRα). Cell-based, biochemical and biophysical assays indicate GW4064 as an agonist of ERR proteins. Interestingly, FXR disruption alters GW4064 induction of PGC-1α mRNA in a tissue-dependent manner. Using FXR-null [FXR knockout (FXRKO)] mice, we determined that GW4064 induction of PGC-1α expression is not affected in oxidative soleus muscles of FXRKO mice but is compromised in the FXRKO liver. Mechanistic studies to explain these differences revealed that FXR physically interacts with ERR and protects them from repression by the atypical corepressor, small heterodimer partner in liver. Together, this interplay between ERRα-FXR-PGC-1α and small heterodimer partner offers new insights into the biological functions of ERRα and FXR, thus providing a knowledge base for therapeutics in energy balance-related pathophysiology.     

Bile acid signaling through FXR induces intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in mouse liver and human hepatocytes

Previous studies have demonstrated a dramatic induction of inflammatory gene expression in livers from mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet containing cholate after 3-5 wk. To determine the contribution of cholate in mediating these inductions, C57BL/6 mice were fed a chow diet supplemented with increasing concentrations of cholic acid (CA) for 5 days. A dose-dependent induction in the hepatic levels of TNF-alpha, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and SAA-2 mRNA were observed. As positive controls, a dose-dependent repression of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase and a dose-dependent induction of small heterodimer partner (SHP) expression were also observed, suggesting that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was activated. In addition, ICAM-1 and SHP mRNA levels were also induced in primary human hepatocytes when treated with chenodeoxycholic acid or GW4064, a FXR-selective agonist. The involvement of FXR in CA-induced inflammatory gene expression was further investigated in the human hepatic cell line HepG2. Both ICAM-1 and SHP expression were induced in a dose- and time-dependent manner by treatment with the FXR-selective agonist GW4064. Moreover, the induction of ICAM-1 by GW4064 was inhibited by the FXR antagonist guggulsterone or with transfection of FXR siRNA. Finally, the activity of FXR was mapped to a retinoic acid response element (RARE) site containing an imbedded farnesoid X response element (FXRE) on the human ICAM-1 promoter and FXR and retinoid X receptor were demonstrated to bind to this site. Finally, FXR-mediated activation of ICAM-1 could be further enhanced by TNF-alpha cotreatment in hepatocytes, suggesting a potential cooperation between cytokine and bile acid-signaling pathways during hepatic inflammatory events.     

Lowering bile acid pool size with a synthetic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist induces obesity and diabetes through reduced energy expenditure

We evaluated the metabolic impact of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation by administering a synthetic FXR agonist (GW4064) to mice in which obesity was induced by a high fat diet. Administration of GW4064 accentuated body weight gain and glucose intolerance induced by the high fat diet and led to a pronounced worsening of the changes in liver and adipose tissue. Mechanistically, treatment with GW4064 decreased bile acid (BA) biosynthesis, BA pool size, and energy expenditure, whereas reconstitution of the BA pool in these GW4064-treated animals by BA administration dose-dependently reverted the metabolic abnormalities. Our data therefore suggest that activation of FXR with synthetic agonists is not useful for long term management of the metabolic syndrome, as it reduces the BA pool size and subsequently decreases energy expenditure, translating as weight gain and insulin resistance. In contrast, expansion of the BA pool size, which can be achieved by BA administration, could be an interesting strategy to manage the metabolic syndrome.     

Farnesoid X receptor protects liver cells from apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in vitro and fasting in vivo

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key metabolic regulator in the liver by maintaining the homeostasis of liver metabolites. Recent findings suggest that FXR may have a much broader function in liver physiology and pathology. In the present work, we identify a novel role of FXR in protecting liver cell from apoptosis induced by nutritional withdrawal including serum deprivation in vitro or starvation in vivo. Two FXR ligands, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and GW4064, rescued HepG2 cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of FXR on apoptotic suppression was compromised when FXR was knocked down by short interfering RNA. Similarly, the effects of both CDCA and GW4064 were abolished after inhibition of the MAPK pathway by a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinase 1/2. Immunoblotting results indicated that FXR activation by CDCA and GW4064 induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was attenuated by serum deprivation. In vivo, FXR(-/-) mice exhibited an exacerbated liver apoptosis and lower levels of phosphorylated-ERK1/2 compared to wild-type mice after starvation. In conclusion, our results suggest a novel role of FXR in modulating liver cell apoptosis.     

Src-Mediated Cross-Talk between Farnesoid X and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors Inhibits Human Intestinal Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis

Besides its essential role in controlling bile acid and lipid metabolism, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protects against intestinal tumorigenesis by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms underlying these anti-proliferative actions of FXR remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effects of FXR activation (FXR overexpression and treatment with an FXR agonist GW4064) and inactivation (treatment with FXR siRNA and an FXR antagonist guggulsterone) on colon cancer cell proliferation in vitro using human colon cancer cell lines (H508, SNU-C4 and HT-29) and in vivo using xenografts in nude mice. Blocking FXR activity with guggulsterone stimulated time- and dose-dependent EGFR (Tyr845) phosphorylation and ERK activation. In contrast, FXR overexpression and activation with GW4064 attenuated cell proliferation by down-regulating EGFR (Tyr845) phosphorylation and ERK activation. Treatment with guggulsterone and GW4064 also caused dose-dependent changes in Src (Tyr416) phosphorylation. In stably-transfected human colon cancer cells, overexpression of FXR reduced EGFR, ERK, Src phosphorylation and cell proliferation, and in nude mice attenuated the growth of human colon cancer xenografts (64% reduction in tumor volume; 47% reduction in tumor weight; both P<0.01). Moreover, guggulsterone-induced EGFR and ERK phosphorylation and cell proliferation were abolished by inhibiting activation of Src, EGFR and MEK. Collectively these data support the novel conclusion that in human colon cancer cells Src-mediated cross-talk between FXR and EGFR modulates ERK phosphorylation, thereby regulating intestinal cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.     

Lithocholic acid decreases expression of bile salt export pump through farnesoid X receptor antagonist activity

Bile salt export pump (BSEP) is a major bile acid transporter in the liver. Mutations in BSEP result in progressive intrahepatic cholestasis, a severe liver disease that impairs bile flow and causes irreversible liver damage. BSEP is a target for inhibition and down-regulation by drugs and abnormal bile salt metabolites, and such inhibition and down-regulation may result in bile acid retention and intrahepatic cholestasis. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the regulation of BSEP expression by FXR ligands in primary human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. We demonstrate that BSEP expression is dramatically regulated by ligands of the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Both the endogenous FXR agonist chenodeoxycholate (CDCA) and synthetic FXR ligand GW4064 effectively increased BSEP mRNA in both cell types. This up-regulation was readily detectable at as early as 3 h, and the ligand potency for BSEP regulation correlates with the intrinsic activity on FXR. These results suggest BSEP as a direct target of FXR and support the recent report that the BSEP promoter is transactivated by FXR. In contrast to CDCA and GW4064, lithocholate (LCA), a hydrophobic bile acid and a potent inducer of cholestasis, strongly decreased BSEP expression. Previous studies did not identify LCA as an FXR antagonist ligand in cells, but we show here that LCA is an FXR antagonist with partial agonist activity in cells. In an in vitro co-activator association assay, LCA decreased CDCA- and GW4064-induced FXR activation with an IC(50) of 1 microm. In HepG2 cells, LCA also effectively antagonized GW4064-enhanced FXR transactivation. These data suggest that the toxic and cholestatic effect of LCA in animals may result from its down-regulation of BSEP through FXR. Taken together, these observations indicate that FXR plays an important role in BSEP gene expression and that FXR ligands may be potential therapeutic drugs for intrahepatic cholestasis.     

Farnesoid X receptor activates transcription of the phospholipid pump MDR3

The human multidrug resistance gene MDR3 encodes a P-glycoprotein that belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter family (ABCB4). MDR3 is a critical trans-locator for phospholipids across canalicular membranes of hepatocytes, evidenced by the fact that human MDR3 deficiencies result in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type III. It has been reported previously that MDR3 expression is modulated by hormones, cellular stress, and xenobiotics. Here we show that the MDR3 gene is trans-activated by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) via a direct binding of FXR/retinoid X receptor alpha heterodimers to a highly conserved inverted repeat element (a FXR response element) at the distal promoter (-1970 to -1958). In FXR trans-activation assays, both the endogenous FXR agonist chenodeoxycholate and the synthetic agonist GW4064 activated the MDR3 promoter. Deletion or mutation of this inverted repeat element abolished FXR-mediated MDR3 promoter activation. Consistent with these data, MDR3 mRNA was significantly induced by both chenodeoxycholate and GW4064 in primary human hepatocytes in time- and dose-dependent fashions. In conclusion, we demonstrate that MDR3 expression is directly up-regulated by FXR. These results, together with the previous report that the bile salt export pump is a direct FXR target, suggest that FXR coordinately controls secretion of bile salts and phospholipids. Results of this study further support the notion that FXR is a master regulator of lipid metabolism.     

FXR regulates organic solute transporters alpha and beta in the adrenal gland, kidney, and intestine

Expression of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR; NR1H4) is limited to the liver, intestine, kidney, and adrenal gland. However, the role of FXR in the latter two organs is unknown. In the current study, we performed microarray analysis using RNA from H295R cells infected with constitutively active FXR. Several putative FXR target genes were identified, including the organic solute transporters alpha and beta (OSTalpha and OSTbeta). Electromobility shift assays and promoter-reporter studies identified functional farnesoid X receptor response elements (FXREs) in the promoters of both human genes. These FXREs are conserved in both mouse genes. Treatment of wild-type mice with 3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4-(3'-carboxy-2-chloro-stilben-4-yl)-oxymethyl-5-isopropyl-isoxazole (GW4064), a synthetic FXR agonist, induced OSTalpha and OSTbeta mRNAs in the intestine and kidney. Both mRNAs were also induced when wild-type, but not FXR-deficient (FXR-/-), adrenals were cultured in the presence of GW4064. OSTalpha and OSTbeta mRNA levels were also induced in the adrenals and kidneys of wild-type, but not FXR-/-, mice after the increase of plasma bile acids in response to the hepatotoxin alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate. Finally, overexpression of human OSTalpha and OSTbeta facilitated the uptake of conjugated chenodeoxycholate and the activation of FXR target genes. These results demonstrate that OSTalpha and OSTbeta are novel FXR target genes that are expressed in the adrenal gland, kidney, and intestine.     

In vivo imaging of farnesoid X receptor activity reveals the ileum as the primary bile acid signaling tissue

We generated and characterized a firefly luciferase reporter mouse for the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). This FXR reporter mouse has basal luciferase expression in the terminal ileum, an organ with well-characterized FXRalpha signaling. In vivo luciferase activity reflected the diurnal activity pattern of the mouse, and is regulated by both natural (bile acids, chenodeoxycholic acid) and synthetic (GW4064) FXRalpha ligands. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro analysis showed luciferase activity after GW4064 administration in the liver, kidney, and adrenal gland, indicating that FXRalpha signaling is functional in these tissues. Hepatic luciferase activity was robustly induced in cholestatic mice, showing that FXRalpha signaling pathways are activated in this disease. In conclusion, we have developed an FXR reporter mouse that is useful to monitor FXRalpha signaling in vivo in health and disease. The use of this animal could facilitate the development of new therapeutic compounds that target FXRalpha in a tissue-specific manner.     

The farnesoid X receptor modulates adiposity and peripheral insulin sensitivity in mice

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor that plays a major role in the regulation of BA and lipid metabolism. Recently, several studies have suggested a potential role of FXR in the control of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism, but its contribution to the maintenance of peripheral glucose homeostasis remains to be established. FXR-deficient mice display decreased adipose tissue mass, lower serum leptin concentrations, and elevated plasma free fatty acid levels. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed that FXR deficiency is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Moreover, whole-body glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp is decreased in FXR-deficient mice. In parallel, FXR deficiency alters distal insulin signaling, as reflected by decreased insulin-dependent Akt phosphorylation in both white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Whereas FXR is not expressed in skeletal muscle, it was detected at a low level in white adipose tissue in vivo and induced during adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Moreover, mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from FXR-deficient mice displayed impaired adipocyte differentiation, identifying a direct role for FXR in adipocyte function. Treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the FXR-specific synthetic agonist GW4064 enhanced insulin signaling and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Finally, treatment with GW4064 improved insulin resistance in genetically obese ob/ob mice in vivo. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be unraveled, these results clearly identify a novel role of FXR in the regulation of peripheral insulin sensitivity and adipocyte function. This unexpected function of FXR opens new perspectives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Substituted isoxazole analogs of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist GW4064

Starting from the known FXR agonist GW 4064 1a, a series of alternately 3,5-substituted isoxazoles was prepared. Several of these analogs were potent full FXR agonists. A subset of this series, with a tether between the isoxazole ring and the 3-position aryl substituent, were equipotent FXR agonists to GW 4064 1a, with the 2,6-dimethyl phenol analog 1t having greater FRET FXR potency than GW 4064 1a.     

FXR激动剂GW4064对裸鼠肝癌细胞移植瘤增殖及血管生成的影响

目的:探讨研究法尼酯x受体(FXR)激动剂GW4064对裸鼠肝癌细胞移植瘤增殖及血管生成的影响。方法:选取人肝癌细胞系Hep G2进行体外培养,将细胞悬液接种于BALB/c裸鼠皮下。裸鼠成瘤后,随机分为两组,分别腹腔注射DMSO和GW4064。一周后,处死动物取肿瘤组织,通过免疫组织化学法检测肿瘤组织中Ki-67和CD31的表达,同时计数肿瘤组织中的微血管密度(CD31-MVD);Western blot法检测其FXR和白介素-8(IL-8)的蛋白表达。结果:与对照组相比,FXR激动剂GW4064处理组的肿瘤组织中FXR的蛋白表达量明显增高,微血管密度CD31-MVD值显著降低,同时Ki-67、IL-8及CD31的表达水平均显著降低。结论:FXR激动剂GW4064能显著增加FXR的表达,抑制裸鼠肝癌细胞移植瘤的增殖及新生血管的形成。