Dually fibronectin/CD44-mediated nanoparticles targeted disrupt the Golgi apparatus and inhibit the hedgehog signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells to alleviate liver fibrosis

Single-cell RNA sequencing advances in revealing the development and progression of MASH: the identifications and interactions of non-parenchymal cells

Developing drugs for the treatment of Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) has always been a significant challenge. Researchers have been dedicated to exploring drugs and therapeutic strategies to alleviate disease progression, but treatments remain limited. This is partly due to the complexity of the pathophysiological processes, and inadequate knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms in MASH. Especially, the liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) like Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells which play critical roles in live function, immune responses, fibrosis and disease progression. Deciphering how these cells function in MASH, would help understand the pathophysiological processes and find potential drug targets. In recent years, new technologies have been developed for single-cell transcriptomic sequencing, making cell-specific transcriptome profiling a reality in healthy and diseased livers. In this review, we discussed how the use of single-cell transcriptomic sequencing provided us with an in-depth understanding of the heterogeneous, cellular interactions among non-parenchymal cells and tried to highlight recent discoveries in MASH by this technology. It is hoped that the summarized features and markers of various subclusters in this review could provide a technical reference for further experiments and a theoretical basis for clinical applications.

Tailoring Tumor Cell Golgi Apparatus-Targeting Self-Assembled Peptide for Effective Immunotherapy via Reshaping MIF-Mediated Immunosuppressive Network

The immunosuppressive network formed by the enhanced crosstalk between tumor cells and various types of immune cells may ultimately lead to the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). The Golgi apparatus (GA) of tumor cells is a key organelle in the formation of a tumor immunosuppressive network. However, there are no studies to show whether interfering with the GA of tumor cells can reshape the immunosuppressive network to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Therefore, the tumor cell GA-targeting self-assembled peptide (NF-1) is tailored, and confirmed that NF-1 treatment can achieve an effective immunotherapy and found that tumor cell-derived GA-dependent migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates the formation of immunosuppressive network in breast cancer (BRCA) through multi-omics analysis, in vivo, and in vitro experiments. NF-1 treatment-induced MIF reduction can reshape the immunosuppressive network and convert a "cold" tumor into a "hot" tumor, thus enabling immunotherapy in BRCA and enhancing the ICB efficacy in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). This study presents a general strategy for interfering with tumor GA for effective immunotherapy in BRCA, COAD, and other cancers characterized by a "cold" immune microenvironment.

Microenvironment-induced programmable nanotherapeutics restore mitochondrial dysfunction for the amelioration of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver disorder with severe complications. Mitochondrial dysfunction due to over-opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in liver cells plays a central role in the development and progression of NAFLD. Restoring mitochondrial function is a promising strategy for NAFLD therapy. Herein, we designed and developed a microenvironment-induced programmable nanotherapeutic to restore mitochondrial function and ameliorate NAFLD. cyclosporine (Cyclosporine capsules) A (CsA), as a highly effective inhibitors of the opening of mPTP, was chosen in the present work. Nanotherapeutics were prepared by assembling two structurally simple multifunctional glucosamine derivatives: dextran-grafted galactose (Dex-Gal) and Dex-triphenylphosphine (Dex-TPP). Galactose units in the nanotherapeutics guide the hepatocyte-specific uptake. Detachment of galactose from acidic lysosomes via Schiff base cleavage exposes the TPP moieties, which subsequently steers the nanotherapeutics to escape from lysosomes and target mitochondria through an enhanced positive charge, enabling precise in situ drug delivery. Simultaneously, the nanotherapeutics improved mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting palmitic acid-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in HepG2 cells, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreasing reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, CsA@Dex-Gal/TPP accumulated in the livers of NAFLD mice, restored mitochondrial autophagy, regulated abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, and improved hepatic lipid deposition. This study offers a new cascading strategy for targeting liver cell mitochondria to treat NAFLD and other mitochondria-associated diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We design microenvironment-induced programmable nanotherapeutics for NAFLD Nanotherapeutics has the capabilities of lysosomal escape and mitochondrial targeting Nanotherapeutics improves mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorates NAFLD This study offers a new cascading strategy for other mitochondria-associated diseases.

Organelle-Targeting Nanoparticles

Organelles are specialized subunits within cells which carry out vital functions crucial to cellular survival and form a tightly regulated network. Dysfunctions in any of these organelles are linked to numerous diseases impacting virtually every organ system in the human body. Targeted delivery of therapeutics to specific organelles within the cell holds great promise for overcoming challenging diseases and improving treatment outcomes through the minimization of therapeutic dosage and off-target effects. Nanoparticles are versatile and effective tools for therapeutic delivery to specific organelles. Nanoparticles offer several advantageous characteristics, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient therapeutic loading and the ability to attach targeting moieties (tethers) that enhance delivery. The choice of nanoparticle shape, size, composition, surface properties, and targeting ligands depends on the desired target organelle and therapeutic effect. Various nanoparticle platforms have been explored for organelle targeting, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, current and emerging approaches to nanoparticle design are examined in the context of various diseases linked to organelle dysfunction. Specifically, advances in nanoparticle therapies targeting organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes/endosomes, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum are comprehensively and critically discussed.

Ligand-Tethered Extracellular Vesicles Mediated RNA Therapy for Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis poses a significant global health burden, in which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role. Targeted nanomedicine delivery systems directed at HSCs have shown immense potential in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Herein, a bioinspired material, engineered therapeutic miR-181a-5p (a miRNA known to inhibit fibrotic signaling pathways) and targeted moiety hyaluronic acid (HA) co-functionalized extracellular vesicles (EVs) are developed. HA is incorporated onto the surface of EVs using DSPE-PEG as a linker, allowing preferential binding to CD44 receptors, which are overexpressed on activated HSCs. Our results confirmed enhanced cellular uptake and improved payload delivery, as evidenced by the increased intracellular abundance of miR-181a-5p in activated HSCs and fibrotic livers. HA-equipped EVs loaded with miR-181a-5p (DPH-EVs@miR) significantly reduce HSC activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, thus alleviating the progression of liver fibrosis. Additionally, DPH-EVs@miR improves liver function, ameliorates inflammatory infiltration, and mitigates hepatocyte apoptosis, demonstrating superior hepatic protective effects. Collectively, this study reports a prospective nanovesicle therapeutic platform loaded with therapeutic miRNA and targeting motifs for liver fibrosis. The biomarker-guided EV-engineering technology utilized in this study provides a promising tool for nanomedicine and precision medicine.

Targeting Fibrosis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Advanced Therapies

As the final stage of disease-related tissue injury and repair, fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix. Unrestricted accumulation of stromal cells and matrix during fibrosis impairs the structure and function of organs, ultimately leading to organ failure. The major etiology of fibrosis is an injury caused by genetic heterogeneity, trauma, virus infection, alcohol, mechanical stimuli, and drug. Persistent abnormal activation of "quiescent" fibroblasts that interact with or do not interact with the immune system via complicated signaling cascades, in which parenchymal cells are also triggered, is identified as the main mechanism involved in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. Although the mechanisms of fibrosis are still largely unknown, multiple therapeutic strategies targeting identified molecular mechanisms have greatly attenuated fibrotic lesions in clinical trials. In this review, the organ-specific molecular mechanisms of fibrosis is systematically summarized, including cardiac fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Some important signaling pathways associated with fibrosis are also introduced. Finally, the current antifibrotic strategies based on therapeutic targets and clinical trials are discussed. A comprehensive interpretation of the current mechanisms and therapeutic strategies targeting fibrosis will provide the fundamental theoretical basis not only for fibrosis but also for the development of antifibrotic therapies.

Hepatic Stellate Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of an Antifibrotic Agent to Hepatic Stellate Cells with Enhanced Antifibrosis Efficacy

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins primarily produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The activation of HSCs plays a pivotal role in driving the progression of liver fibrosis. Achieving specific targeted delivery of antifibrotic agents toward activated HSCs remains a formidable challenge. Here, we developed an HSC membrane-camouflaged nanosystem, named HSC-PLGA-BAY, for the precise delivery of the antifibrosis agent BAY 11-7082 to activated HSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The designed HSC-PLGA-BAY nanosystem exhibited selective targeting toward activated HSCs, with internalization mediated by homologous cell adhesion molecules from the HSC membrane, namely integrins and N-cadherin. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that treatment with HSC-PGA-BAY significantly increased apoptosis of activated HSCs and ameliorated liver fibrosis progression in a bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced fibrotic mice model. Collectively, the HSCs-targeted therapeutic platform holds promising potential as an effective strategy for liver fibrosis treatment.

Nano-encapsulation of drugs to target hepatic stellate cells: Toward precision treatments of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition triggered by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). As central players in fibrosis progression, HSCs are the most important therapeutic targets for antifibrotic therapy. However, owing to the limitations of systemic drug administration, there is still no suitable and effective clinical treatment. In recent years, nanosystems have demonstrated expansive therapeutic potential and evolved into a clinical modality. In liver fibrosis, nanosystems have undergone a paradigm shift from targeting the whole liver to locally targeted modifying processes. Nanomedicine delivered to HSCs has significant potential in managing liver fibrosis, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest, and minor side effects. In this review, we present a brief overview of the role of HSCs in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, summarize the different types of nanocarriers and their specific delivery applications in liver fibrosis, and highlight the biological barriers associated with the use of nanosystems to target HSCs and approaches available to solve this issue. We further discuss in-depth all the molecular target receptors overexpressed during HSC activation in liver fibrosis and their corresponding ligands that have been used for drug or gene delivery targeting HSCs.

Bilirubin-Modified Chondroitin Sulfate-Mediated Multifunctional Liposomes Ameliorate Acute Kidney Injury by Inducing Mitophagy and Regulating Macrophage Polarization

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a dynamic process associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, in which mitochondrial mitophagy and macrophage polarization play a critical role in the pathophysiology. Based on the expression of the CD44 receptor on renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and activated M1 macrophages being abnormally increased, accompanied by up-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during AKI, the conjugates of bilirubin (BR), an endogenous antioxidant which has the property of anti-inflammation, and chondroitin sulfate (CS) with CD44-targeting property could be a promising therapeutic carrier. In this study, we develop a CD44-targeted/ROS-responsive CS-BR-mediated multifunctional liposome loading celastrol (CS-BR@CLT) for the targeted therapy of AKI. CS-BR@CLT is shown to selectively accumulate in AKI mouse kidneys via targeting of CD44 receptors. Treatment with CS-BR@CLT significantly ameliorates acute kidney injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion and protects renal function. Mechanistically, CS-BR@CLT inhibits apoptosis, protects mitochondria, promotes autophagy, regulates macrophage polarization, and alleviates interstitial inflammation. Overall, our study demonstrates that CS-BR@CLT could be a promising strategy to ameliorate acute kidney injury.

Quercetin Boosts Pulsatile Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Release to Improve Luteal Function via Inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-Mediated Neuron Pyroptosis

SCOPE

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is the main cause of infertility without an effective cure. Quercetin (QUE) is a bioactive flavonoid with antioxidant properties, while its role in treating LPD remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of QUE on infertility and menstrual disorders induced by LPD, thus further exploring the underlying mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mifepristone-induced rats are used to explore the protective effects of QUE against LPD. QUE stimulates the spontaneous secretion of progesterone to improve luteal function and endometrial receptivity in LPD rats by activating the kisspeptin/GPR54 system to facilitate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that the core mechanism of QUE in treating LPD is to attenuate the GnRH neuron pyroptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, which is further verified in LPD rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated GT1-7, as QUE significantly reduces the expression of key factors concerning NF-κB pathway and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.

CONCLUSION

This study first proposes that neuron pyroptosis-induced GnRH pulsatility disruption accounts for the pathogenesis of LPD, and QUE facilitates the pulse secretion of GnRH to boost the spontaneous progesterone secretion by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated neuron pyroptosis, which provides a new therapeutic target and strategy for LPD.

Selective delivery of imaging probes and therapeutics to the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus: Current strategies and beyond

To maximize therapeutic effects and minimize unwanted effects, the interest in drug targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi apparatus (GA) has been recently growing because two organelles are distributing hubs of cellular building/signaling components (e.g., proteins, lipids, Ca2+) to other organelles and the plasma membrane. Their structural or functional damages induce organelle stress (i.e., ER or GA stress), and their aggravation is strongly related to diseases (e.g., cancers, liver diseases, brain diseases). Many efforts have been developed to image (patho)physiological functions (e.g., oxidative stress, protein/lipid-related processing) and characteristics (e.g., pH, temperature, biothiols, reactive oxygen species) in the target organelles and to deliver drugs for organelle disruption using organelle-targeting moieties. Therefore, this review will overview the structure, (patho)physiological functions/characteristics, and related diseases of the organelles of interest. Future direction on ER or GA targeting will be discussed by understanding current strategies and investigations on targeting, imaging/sensing, and therapeutic systems.

Engineered liposomes targeting hepatic stellate cells overcome pathological barriers and reverse liver fibrosis

Dual pathological barriers, including capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and deposited extracellular matrix (ECM), result in insufficient drug delivery, significantly compromising the anti-fibrosis efficacy. Additionally, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hepatic microenvironment are crucial factors contributing to the progression of liver fibrosis. Hence, hyaluronic acid (HA) modified liposomes co-delivering all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and L-arginine (L-arg) were constructed to reverse hepatic fibrosis. By exhibiting exceptional responsiveness to the fibrotic microenvironment, our cleverly constructed liposomes efficiently disrupted the hepatic sinus pathological barrier, leading to enhanced accumulation of liposomes in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and subsequent induction of HSCs quiescence. Specially, excessive ROS in liver fibrosis promotes the conversion of loaded L-arg to nitric oxide (NO). The ensuing NO serves to reestablish the fenestrae structure of capillarized LSECs, thereby augmenting the likelihood of liposomes reaching the hepatic sinus space. Furthermore, subsequent oxidation of NO by ROS into peroxynitrite activates pro-matrix metalloproteinases into matrix metalloproteinases, which further disrupts the deposited ECM barrier. Consequently, this NO-induced cascade process greatly amplifies the accumulation of liposomes within activated HSCs. More importantly, the released RA could induce quiescence of activated HSCs by significantly downregulating the expression of myosin light chain-2, thereby effectively mitigating excessive collagen synthesis and ultimately leading to the reversal of liver fibrosis. Overall, this integrated systemic strategy has taken a significant step forward in advancing the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Dual-Targeting Macrophages and Hepatic Stellate Cells by Modified Albumin Nanoparticles for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Hepatic cirrhosis has become a global public health concern with high mortality and currently lacks effective clinical treatment methods. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the large number of macrophages infiltrating into the liver play a critical role in the development of liver cirrhosis. This study developed a novel modified nanoparticle system (SRF-CS-PSA NPs) in which Sorafenib (SRF) was encapsulated by palmitic acid-modified albumin (PSA) and further modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). These modifications enabled the SRF-CS-PSA NPs to effectively target hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and macrophages. SRF-CS-PSA NPs showed uniform particle size distribution of approximately 120 nm and high loading efficiency of up to 99.5% and can be taken up by HSCs and macrophages via CD44 and SR-A receptors, respectively. In a mouse model of liver cirrhosis, SRF-CS-PSA NPs demonstrated superior targeting and inhibition of HSCs and macrophages, effectively reversing the process of liver cirrhosis. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential of SRF-CS-PSA NPs as a targeted therapy for liver cirrhosis, with promising clinical applications.