Targeted activation of HNF4α/HGF1/FOXA2 reverses hepatic fibrosis via exosome-mediated delivery of CRISPR/dCas9-SAM system

Aim: Hepatic fibrosis is one of the most common conditions worldwide, and yet no effective antifibrotic therapy is available. This study aimed to reverse hepatic fibrosis via exosome-mediated delivery of the CRISPR/dCas9-SAM system. Materials & methods: The authors constructed a modified-exosome delivery system targeting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and constructed the CRISPR/dCas9-SAM system inducing HSCs convert into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo. Results: RBP4-modified exosomes could efficiently load and deliver the CRISPR/dCas9 system to HSCs. The in vitro CRISPR/dCas9 system induced the conversion from HSCs to hepatocyte-like cells via targeted activation of HNF4α/ HGF1/ FOXA2 genes. Importantly, in vivo targeted delivery of this system significantly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Conclusion: Targeted activation of HNF4α/ HGF1/ FOXA2 reverses hepatic fibrosis via exosome-mediated delivery of the CRISPR/dCas9-SAM system, which provides a feasible antifibrotic strategy.