PDLIM5 Modulates YAP1 Localisation and Fibrogenic Gene Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key cellular drivers of liver fibrosis. During liver injury and chronic inflammation HSCs adopt an activated phenotype and secrete fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen 1. Mechanical cues derived from the fibrotic ECM drive and support the activation of HSCs, via mechanisms that involve integrins and the mechano-sensitive transcriptional regulator YAP1. It is not yet well understood how external mechanical cues are translated into a molecular response that alters YAP1 nuclear shuttling. There is evidence that suggests the PDZ and LIM domain protein (PDLIM) 5 can regulate YAP1 shuttling in human epithelial cells. We therefore investigated whether PDLIM5 is expressed in HSCs and contributes to YAP1 associated HSC mechano-activation. PDLIM5 protein was detected in HSCs in fibrotic human and mouse liver. PDLIM5 transcript and protein were expressed by primary human and mouse HSCs and by the immortalised HSC LX-2 cell line. PDLIM5 localised with actin stress fibres suggesting a role in HSC adhesion. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation in LX-2 cells support an association between PDLIM5 and YAP1. We used pharmacological (paclitaxel) and genetic (siRNA and CRISPRi) approaches to inhibit PDLIM5 in HSCs. Inhibiting PDLIM5 reduced YAP1 nuclear localisation and fibrotic gene (COL1A1, ACTA2) expression in LX-2 cells. Overall, these data support a role for PDLIM5 in regulating YAP1 localisation and fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs.