Circular RNA encoding relaxin-2 as a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently emerged as a promising new drug modality with significant therapeutic potential due to their higher stability and lower immunogenicity. Here, we report the development of a circRNA encoding human relaxin-2 (cRLN2), a short peptide hormone with well-established therapeutic potential, to treat liver fibrosis in a mouse model. Compared to the modified linear mRNA, cRLN2 mediated stronger and more prolonged expression of relaxin in vitro. In addition, the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of cRLN2 achieved a sustained translation into active relaxin in healthy mice with low immunogenicity. In a mouse model of liver fibrosis, cRLN2 treatment significantly decreased hepatic stellate cell activation and consequently reduced collagen deposition in fibroti

SUBMITTER: Zhong J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805276 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature