miR-375 protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by orchestrating pharmacogene expression
Wang, Yi ; Liu, Jinghua ; Zhu, Sha ; Hu, Shiliang ; Chen, Xiupeng ; Mandon, Elisabet ; Tran, Ngoc Tam ; Zhang, Songbo ; Qi, Yangran ; Ma, Hong ... show 9 more
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Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF), primarily through the excessive production of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the FDA-approved treatment for APAP overdose, but there is a growing interest in microRNAs as potential therapeutic agents. We delivered miR-375 ectopically via a liver-tropic adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) and demonstrated its potent protection in a murine model of APAP overdose-induced ALF. Slc16a2, Cyb5b, and Acsl5 were identified as critical targets acting synergistically to mitigate toxicity. Liver transcriptome revealed that miR-375 overexpression or silencing of the targets of miR-375 increased Gstm3 expression in mice. AAV8-mediated Gstm3 expression protects against APAP-ALF, and the protection was further enhanced by disrupting the expression of Cyp2e1. Additionally, CYP2E1 and GSS, which contribute to APAP detoxification, were down- and upregulated by miR-375, respectively. These findings suggest that miR-375 prevents APAP-ALF by orchestrating the expression of pharmacogenes and enhancing glutathione synthesis. We conclude that miR-375 and its targets are promising therapeutic targets for APAP-ALF.
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Wang Y, Liu J, Zhu S, Hu S, Chen X, Mandon E, Tran NT, Zhang S, Qi Y, Ma H, He R, Cao Y, Su Q, Gallagher TL, Ii Z, Zhou C, Tai PWL, Gao G, Xie J. miR-375 protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by orchestrating pharmacogene expression. Mol Ther. 2025 Jun 30:S1525-0016(25)00489-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.06.038. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40598772.