Targeting FAP-positive Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritis: a Novel Lipid Nanoparticle SiRNA Approach to Mitigate Cartilage Degeneration

Overview

Journal J Nanobiotechnology

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Biotechnology

Date 2024 Oct 26

PMID 39456041

Authors

Xiang Zhao

Jieming Lin

Mingyang Liu

Dongxin Jiang

Yu Zhang

Xin Li

Bo Shi

Jun Jiang

Chunhui Ma

Hongda Shao

Qingrong Xu

Huang Ping

Jiajin Li

Yanzheng Gao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that leads to chronic pain and functional limitations. Recent research has revealed soluble fibroblast activation protein (FAP) secreted from OA synovium could degrade type II collagen (Col2) in cartilage to promote the progression of OA. This study aimed to reveal the role of FAP from chondrocytes in OA and develop a novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-FAP siRNA delivery system for OA treatment.

Methods: The expression of FAP in the cartilage of knee OA patients was investigated using [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET in vivo and immunofluorescence, western blotting, and RT-qPCR in vitro. Cell senescence was determined by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) assay after FAP overexpressing or knockdown in chondrocytes. An OA model with chondrocyte-specific FAP knockout mice was applied to investigate the role of FAP in chondrocyte senescence and OA development. The therapeutic effects of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) @FAP siRNA on cartilage degeneration were evaluated in the rat OA model.

Results: Our study found that higher [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 uptake was detected in knee OA patients by PET/CT scan. FAP mRNA and protein levels were highly expressed in OA-damaged cartilage. Moreover, we found that overexpression of FAP promotes chondrocyte senescence, and the genetic knockout of FAP in chondrocytes alleviates OA. Knockdown FAP by siRNA could alleviate chondrocyte senescence and suppress the NF-κB pathway to reduce the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In the rat model of OA, intraarticular injection of LNP@FAP siRNA can reduce senescent cells and ameliorate cartilage destruction.

Conclusion: FAP-positive chondrocytes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of OA. Targeting these cells selectively has the potential to mitigate the progression of the disease. Our study provides valuable insights into the intraarticular injection of LNP@FAP siRNA as a promising strategy for the treatment of OA.

Citing Articles

Senescent Fibroblasts Drive FAP/OLN Imbalance Through mTOR Signaling to Exacerbate Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Periodontitis.

Yin C, Fu L, Guo S, Liang Y, Shu T, Shao W Adv Sci (Weinh). 2024; 12(7):e2409398.

PMID: 39716898 PMC: 11831441. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202409398.

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