Hepatic lipocytes (perisinusoidal fat-storing cells) play a central role in generation of hepatic fibrosis. With liver injury, they undergo activation with resultant proliferation and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition. Preliminary studies by the applicant have shown that a component of the activation response is new expression of a smooth muscle-specific cytoskeletal protein, smooth muscle alpha actin. Furthermore, expression of this protein is inhibited by gamma interferon.
The specific aims of the outlined experiments are (1) to further characterize the smooth muscle phenotype of lipocytes as well as to determine whether activated lipocytes function as contractile cells (a feature suggested by their smooth muscle-like phenotype) and (2) to elucidate mechanisms of lipocyte activation with particular emphasis on the inhibitory cytokine gamma interferon. Smooth muscle alpha actin protein and gene expression will be characterized in experimental liver injury and transcriptional run-on assays will be performed to determine the level of regulation of the smooth muscle a actin gene. Contractility of activated lipocytes in experimental liver injury and in culture will be investigated. Lipocyte activation will be studied in vivo and in culture by measuring expression of smooth muscle alpha actin in response to cytokines. Further studies will define the DNA elements that could account for the inhibitory effect of gamma interferon. These studies will provide the first data on the contractility of hepatic lipocytes, and will delineate mechanisms of their activation. Work with gamma interferon-besides having direct therapeutic implications-will clarify molecular mechanisms important in regulation of hepatic lipocytes. The work will be performed in the Liver Center Laboratory at UCSF, under the supervision of Dr. D.M. Bissell. This laboratory is dedicated to the study of liver cell biology, with particular emphasis on hepatic fibrosis. The candidate has completed 2 years of postdoctoral training in this laboratory. The research proposal will enable the applicant to advance his foundation in basic science while leading to an academic career with an independent research program.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
7K08DK002124-06
Application #
2564700
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Podskalny, Judith M
Project Start
1992-12-01
Project End
1998-11-30
Budget Start
1997-01-01
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Rockey, Don C; Weymouth, Nate; Shi, Zengdun (2013) Smooth muscle ? actin (Acta2) and myofibroblast function during hepatic wound healing. PLoS One 8:e77166
Rockey, D C (2001) Hepatic blood flow regulation by stellate cells in normal and injured liver. Semin Liver Dis 21:337-49
Sharara, A I; Rockey, D C (2001) Gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage. N Engl J Med 345:669-81
Seeto, R K; Fenn, B; Rockey, D C (2000) Ischemic hepatitis: clinical presentation and pathogenesis. Am J Med 109:109-13
Shao, R; Yan, W; Rockey, D C (1999) Regulation of endothelin-1 synthesis by endothelin-converting enzyme-1 during wound healing. J Biol Chem 274:3228-34
Harris, H W; Rockey, D C; Young, D M et al. (1999) Diet-induced protection against lipopolysaccharide includes increased hepatic NO production. J Surg Res 82:339-45
Whalen, R; Rockey, D C; Friedman, S L et al. (1999) Activation of rat hepatic stellate cells leads to loss of glutathione S-transferases and their enzymatic activity against products of oxidative stress. Hepatology 30:927-33
Rockey, D C; Chung, J J; McKee, C M et al. (1998) Stimulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat liver by hyaluronan fragments. Hepatology 27:86-92
Rockey, D C; Chung, J J (1998) Reduced nitric oxide production by endothelial cells in cirrhotic rat liver: endothelial dysfunction in portal hypertension. Gastroenterology 114:344-51
Rockey, D C; Fouassier, L; Chung, J J et al. (1998) Cellular localization of endothelin-1 and increased production in liver injury in the rat: potential for autocrine and paracrine effects on stellate cells. Hepatology 27:472-80

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