A High Hepatic Uptake of Conjugated Bile Acids Promotes Colorectal Cancer—Associated Liver Metastasis

Abstract

The liver is the most common site for colorectal cancer (CRC)–associated metastasis. There remain unsatisfactory medications in liver metastasis given the incomplete understanding of pathogenic mechanisms. Herein, with an orthotopic implantation model fed either regular or high-fat diets (HFD), more liver metastases were associated with an expansion of conjugated bile acids (BAs), particularly taurocholic acid (TCA) in the liver, and an increased gene expression of Na+–taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). Such hepatic BA change was more apparently shown in the HFD group. In the same model, TCA was proven to promote liver metastases and induce a tumor-favorable microenvironment in the liver, characterizing a high level of fibroblast activation and increased proportions of myeloid-derived immune cells. Hepatic stellate cells, a liver-residing source of fibroblasts, were dose-dependently activated by TCA, and their conditioned medium significantly enhanced the migration capability of CRC cells. Blocking hepatic BA uptake with NTCP neutralized antibody can effectively repress TCA–triggered liver metastases, with an evident suppression of tumor microenvironment niche formation. This study points to a new BA–driven mechanism of CRC–associated liver metastases, suggesting that a reduction of TCA overexposure by limiting liver uptake is a potential therapeutic option for CRC—associated liver metastasis.