Transcriptomic Profiling of the Liver Sinusoidal Endothelium during Cirrhosis Reveals Stage-Specific Secretory Signature

Simple Summary We define the transcriptome and secretome of primary LSECs during the progression of cirrhosis, revealing specific molecular signatures, novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for new disease-modifying treatments for patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The poor prognosis of chronic liver disease (CLD) generates the need to investigate the evolving mechanisms of disease progression, thus disclosing therapeutic targets before development of clinical complications. Considering the central role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in pre-neoplastic advanced CLD, the present study aimed at investigating the progression of CLD from an endothelial holistic perspective. RNAseq defined the transcriptome of primary LSECs isolated from three pre-clinical models of advanced CLD, during the progression of the disease, and from fresh human cirrhotic tissue. At each stage of the disease, the effects of LSECs secretome on neighboring cells and proteomic analysis of LSECs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were also determined. CLD was associated with deep common modifications in the transcriptome of LSECs in the pre-clinical models. Pathway enrichment analysis showed predominance of genes related with pro-oncogenic, cellular communication processes, and EVs biogenesis during CLD progression. Crosstalk experiments revealed endothelial EVs as potent angiocrine effectors. The proteome of LSECs EVs showed stage-specific signatures, including over-expression of tropomyosin-1. Proof-of-principle experiments treating cirrhotic HSCs with recombinant tropomyosin-1 suggested de-activating effects. Our data provide the basis for discovering novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for new disease-modifying treatments for patients with advanced CLD.

Automated summary

This study defines the transcriptome and secretome of primary LSECs during the progression of cirrhosis, revealing specific molecular signatures, novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The analysis of LSECs in pre-clinical models and fresh human cirrhotic tissue showed common modifications in gene expression related to pro-oncogenic processes and extracellular vesicles biogenesis. The study also identified endothelial EVs as potent angiocrine effectors and discovered stage-specific proteomic signatures that could be potential therapeutic targets for treating cirrhotic patients.