Dynamic Expression of E2F1 and eEF1A1 During Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation of Primary Hepatic Stellate Cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11708Keywords:
E2F1, eEF1A1, HSCs, LPS, Antifibrosis, Activation, E2F1, eEF1A1, HSCs, Liver fibrosis, LPSAbstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the principal mediators of liver fibrosis. Upon liver injury, they undergo activation marked by phenotypic transformation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition. However, the gene regulatory networks driving this activation remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the expression of E2F1 and eEF1A1 - 2 genes involved in cell proliferation and protein synthesis - in HSCs activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory stimulant used to model liver injury. Primary HSCs were isolated from Swiss mice and cultured in vitro. Cells were treated with 0, 100 or 200 ng/mL LPS for 24 h and assessed up to 7 days. Morphological changes were assessed microscopically, lipid content was evaluated via Oil Red O staining, and expression of α-SMA, E2F1, and eEF1A1 was measured by immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR. LPS induced dose- and time-dependent HSC activation, characterized by morphological changes, loss of lipid droplets, and increased α-SMA expression. E2F1 expression increased progressively, peaking at Day 3 and remaining elevated through Day 7. eEF1A1 expression showed a biphasic pattern, with upregulation at Day 3 followed by a reduction at Day 7. Notably, 200 ng/mL LPS yielded the most pronounced gene expression changes. E2F1 and eEF1A1 are dynamically regulated during LPS-induced HSC activation, indicating their potential roles in fibrogenic processes. These findings offer new insights into the transcriptional and translational control of HSC biology and suggest novel targets for antifibrotic therapies.
HIGHLIGHTS
- LPS stimulation established an in vitro model of HSC activation
- E2F1 was progressively upregulated, peaking at Day 3 and sustained to Day 7 of activation
- eEF1A1 showed biphasic expression, with early upregulation (Day 3) followed by decline (Day 7)
- Findings suggest E2F1/eEF1A1 as regulators and targets in liver fibrogenesis
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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