Research into the use of mRNA technology to repair damaged livers is underway, thanks to a $50,000 Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) grant awarded to Mater Research Associate Professor Kate Irvine.
A/Prof Irvine is leading a team that is testing a protein called Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1) which has been shown in previous studies to reduce liver damage and improved healing.
“Unfortunately, current delivery methods send CSF1 to every organ, not just the liver,” said A/Prof Irvine, who leads the Innate Immunity and Inflammation Group at Mater Research.
“Our team is looking at using mRNA technology to deliver the CSF1 directly to the liver by packaging it in tiny fat particles called lipid nanoparticles.
“These LNPs will be able to target liver cells more precisely, in a way that wasn’t possible with previous treatments.
“By targeting the liver specifically, these therapies could minimise side effects for patients and deliver more effective results.
“This will then open the door to combing treatments and potentially using mRNA to deliver other proteins that are known to reverse chronic liver damage.”
Millions of people worldwide are affected by chronic liver diseases, including Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), however there are few effective treatments for the condition.
While immune cells called macrophages are crucial in the liver, they represent a double edge sword in that they can both cause and reduce inflammation.
A/Prof Irvine said the research would aim to figure out how to encourage the macrophages to focus on repair instead of damage,
Based at the Translational Research Institute, A/Prof Irvine and her team will develop the mRNA particles and test them in lab-grown liver cells before trialing the treatment in pre-clinical models to assess its impact on liver health, inflammation and repair.
If successful, the research could lead to a new range of treatments for liver diseases like MASLD.
“This research is not only about creating a new treatment but also about advancing our understanding of how proteins like CSF1 work in the liver,” A/Prof Irvine said.
