Development of novel nucleic acid therapy aimed at directly controlling liver fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Currently, no drugs directly treat liver fibrosis. Previously, we have shown that treatment with miR-29a-3p improved liver fibrosis in a mouse model. To investigate the effectiveness of nucleic acid therapy at a lower dose, a modified nucleic acid was prepared based on miR-29a-3p. The original microRNA was changed to an RNA-DNA hybrid structure: the 2' position of the RNA was modified with a fluorine base, and locked nucleic acid and phosphorothioate were crosslinked (hereafter called modified nucleic acid). In a mouse model of chronic liver disease treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), the inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis was evaluated with oral administration of the modified nucleic acid. The modified nucleic acid was detected in the liver and gastrointestinal tract wit

SUBMITTER: Umezu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11773475 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature