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Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
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Bile acid signaling and biliary functions

Hannah Jones1, Gianfranco Alpini2, Heather Francis2

  • 1Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, TX 76504, USA.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B
|November 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Bile acids impact cholangiocyte function through signaling pathways involving TGR5 and FXR. Understanding these interactions offers potential therapeutic targets for cholangiopathies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Cholangiocytes are crucial biliary epithelial cells involved in bile acid transport and modification.
  • Bile acid signaling pathways are complex and play a significant role in liver physiology and disease.
  • Dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis is implicated in various cholangiopathies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of bile acid signaling in cholangiocytes.
  • To explore the potential of targeting bile acid signaling components for cholangiopathy therapies.
  • To highlight recent advancements (5-7 years) in understanding bile acid-cholangiocyte interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on bile acid signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of key signaling molecules: TGR5, FXR, and UDCA.
  • Examination of the bicarbonate umbrella's role in cholangiocyte protection.

Main Results:

  • Bile acids modulate cholangiocyte function through specific receptors like TGR5 and FXR.
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and the bicarbonate umbrella are important protective mechanisms.
  • Bile acid signaling influences cholangiocyte responses during pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Bile acid signaling is integral to maintaining cholangiocyte function and biliary homeostasis.
  • Targeting bile acid signaling pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cholangiopathies.
  • Further research into these pathways can elucidate novel treatment approaches for liver diseases.
Keywords:
ABCB4, ATP-binding cassette, sub-family BAE2, anion exchanger 2AKT, protein kinases BASBT, apical sodium bile acid transporterBA, bile acidBASIC, bile acid sensitive ion channelBile acidsCOX-2, cyclooxygenase-2CYP27, sterol-27-hydroxylaseCYP7A1, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylaseCa2+, intracellular calciumCholangiocytesCl−/HCO3−, chloride bicarbonate exchangerEGFR, epidermal growth factor receptorERK, extracellular regulated protein kinasesFGF, fibroblast growth factorFXR, farnesoid X receptorHGF, hepatocyte growth factorIL-6, interleukin-6MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinaseOST, organic solute transporterPBC, primary biliary cirrhosisPC-1, polycystin-1PM, plasma membranePSC, primary sclerosing cholangitisReceptorsS1P, sphingosine-1-phosphateS1PR2, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2SR, secretin receptorSignalingTCA, taurocholic acidTGR5, transmembrane G protein coupled receptorUDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid

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