Targeting UBC9-mediated protein hyper-SUMOylation in cystic cholangiocytes halts polycystic liver disease in experimental models

Pui Y. Lee-Law, Paula Olaizola, Francisco J. Caballero-Camino, Laura Izquierdo-Sanchez, Pedro M. Rodrigues, Alvaro Santos-Laso, Mikel Azkargorta, Felix Elortza, Maria L. Martinez-Chantar, Maria J. Perugorria, Patricia Aspichueta, Marco Marzioni, Nicholas F. LaRusso, Luis Bujanda, Joost P.H. Drenth, Jesus M. Banales

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background & Aims: Polycystic liver diseases (PLDs) are genetic disorders characterized by progressive development of multiple fluid-filled biliary cysts. Most PLD-causative genes participate in protein biogenesis and/or transport. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are implicated in protein stability, localization and activity, contributing to human pathobiology; however, their role in PLD is unknown. Herein, we aimed to unveil the role of protein SUMOylation in PLD and its potential therapeutic targeting. Methods: Levels and functional effects of SUMOylation, along with response to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe, inhibitor of the SUMOylation enzyme UBC9) and/or short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against UBE2I (UBC9), were evaluated in vitro, in vivo and/or in patients with PLD. SUMOylated proteins were determined by immunoprecipitation and proteomic analyses by mass spectrometry. Results: Most SUMOylation-related genes were found overexpressed (mRNA) in polycystic human and rat liver tissue, as well as in cystic cholangiocytes in culture compared to controls. Increased SUMOylated protein levels were also observed in cystic human cholangiocytes in culture, which decreased after SAMe administration. Chronic treatment of polycystic (PCK: Pkdh1-mut) rats with SAMe halted hepatic cystogenesis and fibrosis, and reduced liver/body weight ratio and liver volume. In vitro, both SAMe and shRNA-mediated UBE2I knockdown increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation of cystic cholangiocytes. High-throughput proteomic analysis of SUMO1-immunoprecipitated proteins in cystic cholangiocytes identified candidates involved in protein biogenesis, ciliogenesis and proteasome degradation. Accordingly, SAMe hampered proteasome hyperactivity in cystic cholangiocytes, leading to activation of the unfolded protein response and stress-related apoptosis. Conclusions: Cystic cholangiocytes exhibit increased SUMOylation of proteins involved in cell survival and proliferation, thus promoting hepatic cystogenesis. Inhibition of protein SUMOylation with SAMe halts PLD, representing a novel therapeutic strategy. Lay summary: Protein SUMOylation is a dynamic post-translational event implicated in numerous cellular processes. This study revealed dysregulated protein SUMOylation in polycystic liver disease, which promotes hepatic cystogenesis. Administration of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a natural UBC9-dependent SUMOylation inhibitor, halted polycystic liver disease in experimental models, thus representing a potential therapeutic agent for patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)394-406
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of hepatology
Volume74
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Hepatic cystogenesis
  • Post-translational modifications
  • S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
  • SUMOylation
  • Therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Targeting UBC9-mediated protein hyper-SUMOylation in cystic cholangiocytes halts polycystic liver disease in experimental models'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this