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Lopez-Pascual A, Russo-Cabrera JS, Ardaiz N, Palmer T, Graham AR, Uriarte I, Gomar C, Ruiz-Guillamon D, Latasa MU, Arechederra M, Fontanellas A, Monte MJ, Marin JJG, Berasain C, Del Rio CL, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Martini PGV, Schultz JR, Berraondo P, Avila MA. Non-mitogenic FGF19 mRNA-based therapy for the treatment of experimental metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1265-1284. [PMID: 39301694 DOI: 10.1042/cs20241137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents a global health threat. MASH pathophysiology involves hepatic lipid accumulation and progression to severe conditions like cirrhosis and, eventually, hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19 has emerged as a key regulator of metabolism, offering potential therapeutic avenues for MASH and associated disorders. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of non-mitogenic (NM)-FGF19 mRNA formulated in liver-targeted lipid nanoparticles (NM-FGF19-mRNAs-LNPs) in C57BL/6NTac male mice with diet-induced obesity and MASH (DIO-MASH: 40% kcal fat, 20% kcal fructose, 2% cholesterol). After feeding this diet for 21 weeks, NM-FGF19-mRNAs-LNPs or control (C-mRNA-LNPs) were administered (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) weekly for another six weeks, in which diet feeding continued. NM-FGF19-mRNAs-LNPs treatment in DIO-MASH mice resulted in reduced body weight, adipose tissue depots, and serum transaminases, along with improved insulin sensitivity. Histological analyses confirmed the reversal of MASH features, including steatosis reduction without worsening fibrosis. NM-FGF19-mRNAs-LNPs reduced total hepatic bile acids (BAs) and changed liver BA composition, markedly influencing cholesterol homeostasis and metabolic pathways as observed in transcriptomic analyses. Extrahepatic effects included the down-regulation of metabolic dysfunction-associated genes in adipose tissue. This study highlights the potential of NM-FGF19-mRNA-LNPs therapy for MASH, addressing both hepatic and systemic metabolic dysregulation. NM-FGF19-mRNA demonstrates efficacy in reducing liver steatosis, improving metabolic parameters, and modulating BA levels and composition. Given the central role played by BA in dietary fat absorption, this effect of NM-FGF19-mRNA may be mechanistically relevant. Our study underscores the high translational potential of mRNA-based therapies in addressing the multifaceted landscape of MASH and associated metabolic perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Lopez-Pascual
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joan S Russo-Cabrera
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nuria Ardaiz
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Iker Uriarte
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Gomar
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Ruiz-Guillamon
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria U Latasa
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Fontanellas
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Monte
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose J G Marin
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), University of Salamanca, IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carmen Berasain
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Pedro Berraondo
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERonc, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
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Arjunan P, Mahalingam G, Sankar P, Kathirvelu D, Suresh S, Rani S, Mohankumar KM, Thangavel S, Marepally S. Base-modified factor VIII mRNA delivery with galactosylated lipid nanoparticles as a protein replacement therapy for haemophilia A. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:5052-5062. [PMID: 39210734 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00909f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The bleeding disorder hemophilia A (HemA) requires systemic functional factor VIII protein infusions on prophylactic schedules. Recently, chemically modified mRNAs have emerged as promising protein replacement therapies to reduce repeated infusions and improve safety profiles. However, the influence of base modifications on mRNA translation kinetics to specific cell types remains unexplored. In this study, towards developing mRNA therapeutics for haemophilia A, we synthesized chemically modified mRNAs with commercially available base modifications of adenine, guanine, uridine, and cytidine, and evaluated in vitro transcription yield and translation kinetics in hepatic cell lines using reporter eGFP mRNA. Our findings demonstrated that mRNA with N1-methyl pseudouridine (m1Ψ) showed a 5-12-fold increase in translation efficiency in both hepatic and endothelial cell lines. As a proof of concept for developing mRNA therapy for HemA, where FVIII is deficient, we developed a m1Ψ modified functional FVIII mRNA with our liver-targeting lipid nanoparticle (Gal-LNP) system. We evaluated its delivery efficiencies in both hepatic cell lines and the HemA mouse model. The m1Ψ-FVIII mRNA showed high therapeutic efficacy up to 15 days in vivo in the HemA mouse model. Gal-LNPs were found to be safe for systemic administration. Our study reveals that incorporating m1Ψ base modifications on mRNAs could improve therapeutic efficacy in liver- and endothelial-based therapeutics. Optimized mRNA synthesis for superior expression kinetics in hepatic cells and its delivery with liver-targeted nanoparticles may emerge as protein replacement therapies for monogenic liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Porkizhi Arjunan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Gokulnath Mahalingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Priyanka Sankar
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Durga Kathirvelu
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Sevanthy Suresh
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Sandya Rani
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Kumarasamypet M Mohankumar
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, 632002, TN, India.
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Chen J, Patel A, Mir M, Hudock MR, Pinezich MR, Guenthart B, Bacchetta M, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Kim J. Enhancing Cytoplasmic Expression of Exogenous mRNA through Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.19.599708. [PMID: 38948864 PMCID: PMC11212954 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.19.599708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been pivotal in combating COVID-19, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted their potential in nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccines. However, the effectiveness of endosomal escape for the nucleic acid cargos encapsulated in LNPs is still low, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and side effects. Hence, improving endosomal escape is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of nucleic acid delivery using LNPs. Here, a mechanical oscillation (frequency: 65 Hz) is utilized to prompt the LNP-mediated endosomal escape. The results reveal this mechanical oscillation can induce the combination and fusion between LNPs with opposite surface charges, enhance endosomal escape of mRNA by 14%, and increase the transfection efficiency of mRNA up to 1.67 times in the current study. Additionally, cell viability remains high at 99.3% after treatment with oscillation, which is comparable to that of untreated cells. Furthermore, there is no obvious damage to other membranous organelles. Thus, this work presents a user-friendly and safe approach to enhancing endosomal escape of mRNA and boosting gene expression. As a result, our work can be potentially utilized in both research and clinical fields to facilitate LNP-based delivery by enabling more effective release of LNP-encapsulated cargos from endosomes.
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Guo S, Xing N, Du Q, Luo B, Wang S. Deciphering hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and therapeutics: a study on anoikis, ceRNA regulatory network and traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1325992. [PMID: 38283837 PMCID: PMC10811069 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1325992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for approximately 90% of liver malignancies and is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the role of anoikis, a programmed cell death mechanism crucial for maintaining tissue equilibrium, is not yet fully understood in the context of HCC. Methods: Our study aimed to investigate the expression of 10 anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in HCC, including BIRC5, SFN, UBE2C, SPP1, E2F1, etc., and their significance in the disease. Results: Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, we discovered that these ARGs are involved in important processes such as tissue homeostasis, ion transport, cell cycle regulation, and viral infection pathways. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the prognostic value of five ARGs and immune cell infiltrates. Analysis of clinical datasets revealed a strong association between BIRC5 expression and HCC pathological progression, including pathological stage, T stage, overall survival (OS), and race. By constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and using molecular docking, we identified ten bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that could potentially modulate BIRC5. Subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed the influence of platycodin D, one of the identified compounds, on key elements within the ceRNA network. Discussion: In conclusion, our study presents a novel framework for an anoikis-centered prognostic model and an immune-involved ceRNA network in HCC, revealing potential regulatory targets. These insights contribute to our understanding of HCC pathology and may lead to improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, China
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Georgieva M, Xenodochidis C, Krasteva N. Old age as a risk factor for liver diseases: Modern therapeutic approaches. Exp Gerontol 2023; 184:112334. [PMID: 37977514 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent scientific interest has been directed towards age-related diseases, driven by the significant increase in global life expectancy and the growing population of individuals aged 65 and above. The ageing process encompasses various biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioural, and social changes, leading to an augmented susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, liver and oncological diseases are prevalent in the elderly. Moreover, ageing individuals demonstrate reduced regenerative capacity and decreased tolerance towards therapeutic interventions, including organ transplantation. Liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, have emerged as significant public health concerns. Paradoxically, these conditions remain underestimated despite their substantial global impact. Age-related factors are closely associated with the severity and unfavorable prognosis of various liver diseases, warranting further investigation to enhance clinical management and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review focuses specifically on age-related liver diseases, their treatment strategies, and contemporary practices. It provides a detailed account of the global burden, types, molecular mechanisms, and epigenetic alterations underlying these liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Georgieva
- Institute of Molecular Biology "Acad. Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Charilaos Xenodochidis
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Natalia Krasteva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Han J, Lim J, Wang CPJ, Han JH, Shin HE, Kim SN, Jeong D, Lee SH, Chun BH, Park CG, Park W. Lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. NANO CONVERGENCE 2023; 10:36. [PMID: 37550567 PMCID: PMC10406775 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-023-00385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system, has shown immense promise in the fight against malignancies. Messenger RNA (mRNA) stands as a versatile instrument in this context, with its capacity to encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune cell receptors, cytokines, and antibodies. Nevertheless, the inherent structural instability of mRNA requires the development of effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as significant candidates for mRNA delivery in cancer immunotherapy, providing both protection to the mRNA and enhanced intracellular delivery efficiency. In this review, we offer a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in LNP-based mRNA delivery systems, with a focus on strategies for optimizing the design and delivery of mRNA-encoded therapeutics in cancer treatment. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges encountered in this field and contemplate future perspectives, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of LNP-based mRNA cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Han
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Pin James Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hyeok Han
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Eun Shin
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Na Kim
- MediArk, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dooyong Jeong
- R&D center of HLB Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hwi Lee
- R&D center of HLB Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Bok-Hwan Chun
- R&D center of HLB Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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