Foxf1 siRNA delivery to hepatic stellate cells by DBTC lipoplex formulations ameliorates fibrosis in livers of bile duct ligated mice

Curr Gene Ther. 2015;15(3):215-27. doi: 10.2174/1566523215666150126114634.

Abstract

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and represents an orchestral interplay of inhibiting and activating transcription factors like forkhead box f1 (Foxf1), being described to stimulate pro-fibrogenic genes in HSCs. Here, we evaluated a lipidbased liver-specific delivery system (DBTC) suitable to transfer Foxf1 siRNA specifically to HSCs and examined its antifibrotic potential on primary HSCs and LX-2 cells as well as in a murine model of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced secondary cholestasis. Foxf1 silencing reduced proliferation capacity and attenuated contractility of HSCs. Systemic administration of DBTC-lipoplexes in mice was sufficient to specifically silence genes expressed in different liver cell types. Using intravital and immunofluorescence microscopy we confirmed the specific delivery of Cy3-labeled DBTC to the liver, and particularly to HSCs. Repeated treatment with DBTC-lipoplexes resulted in siRNA-mediated silencing of Foxf1 early after BDL and finally attenuated progression of the fibrotic process. Decreased HSC activation in-effect ameliorated liver injury as shown by substantial reduction of necrotic area and deposition of extracellular matrix. Our findings suggest that Foxf1 may serve as a target gene to disrupt progression of liver fibrosis and DBTC might provide a potentially feasible and effective tool for HSC-specific delivery of therapeutic RNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile Ducts / surgery*
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / metabolism*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / prevention & control*
  • Mice
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxf1 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Small Interfering