A critical role for Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha in polymicrobial sepsis-associated metabolic reprogramming and death: H3K27ac and H3K4me3 after CLP sepsis model

ABSTRACT: Sepsis is a maladaptive host response towards an infection leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and ultimately death. In sepsis, limited food intake and increased energy expenditure induce a starvation response, which is hindered by hepatic disappearance of the key transcription factor PPARα. Since PPARα acts as a central player in intracellular catabolism of fatty acids (FAs), sepsis results in excess free FAs, which cause lipotoxicity. The mechanism upstream of the PPARα downregulation in sepsis is unknown. A potential mechanism resides in HNF4α, which regulates liver lipid metabolism directly by activating Ppara gene expression and indirectly by interacting with PPARα itself. A proper functioning of HNF4α is essential for maintaining liver identity. We here show that sepsis causes a progressive HNF4α loss-of-function in the liver, which impacts expression of several nuclear receptors, among which PPARα, and is characterized by a reduced HNF4α DNA binding. Specific HNF4α depletion in the liver dramatically worsens sepsis lethality, associated with increased steatosis and hepatocyte damage. HNF4α dysfunction also prevents an adequate response towards IL6, controlled by CEBPβ and STAT3, which is critical for a proper liver regeneration and survival. In addition, the HNF4α agonist NCT partially protects against sepsis by limiting hepatic steatosis and liver dysfunction. In conclusion, hepatic HNF4α fails in sepsis, causing PPARα downregulation and consequent metabolic problems on the one hand, and a disturbed IL6-mediated acute phase response and regeneration on the other hand. The data open new insights and therapeutic options in sepsis

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE260577 | GEO | 2024/03/12

REPOSITORIES: GEO