WEIWEI ZHU

Dr. WEIWEI ZHU


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 January 2020 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XLXiaojiaoyang Li
Xiaojiaoyang Li
RLRunping Liu
Runping Liu
YWYanyan Wang
Yanyan Wang
WZWEIWEI ZHU
WEIWEI ZHU
DZDerrick Zhao
Derrick Zhao
HZHuiping Zhou
Huiping Zhou
Activation of hepatic macrophages represents the critical driving force to promote cholestatic liver injury. Exosomes, as important small extracellular vesicles released by almost all types of cells, contribute to intercellular communication. We previously reported that cholangiocyte-derived exosomal long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 plays a vital role in disrupting bile acid homeostasis in hepatocytes and promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Exosomal H19 derived from cholangiocytes was rapidly taken up by Kupffer cells. However, the mechanistic links between exosomal lncRNA H19 and macrophage-driven inflammation in cholestasis remain unclear. Here, we reported that the hepatic H19 level was closely correlated with macrophage activation and hepatic fibrosis in both Mdr2-/- and bile duct ligation (BDL) cholestatic mouse models, as well as in human primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients. Exosomal H19 significantly induced the expression and secretion of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in Kupffer cells. H19-enriched exosomes enhanced the activation M1 polarization of Kupffer cells and promoted the recruitment and differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages, which were inhibited by a CCL-2 pharmacological inhibitor. In conclusion, Cholangiocyte-derived exosomal H19 played a critical role in macrophage activation, differentiation, and chemotaxis through CCL-2/CCR-2 signaling pathways, which represent a therapeutic target for cholestatic liver diseases.

20 January 2023 in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
LZLingxi Zhang
Lingxi Zhang
CHChenghong Hu
Chenghong Hu
BJBo Jin
Bo Jin
BBBin Bai
Bin Bai
JLJing Liao
Jing Liao
YHYing He
Ying He