Dual-targeted siRubicon delivery strategy triggers hepatocellular lipophagy for mitigating liver steatosis.

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is marked by fat accumulation and inflammation, partly due to impaired lipophagy-a cellular process in which lipid droplets are broken down through autophagy. Rubicon, a protein that inhibits this process, worsens the condition by blocking fat breakdown. Small interfering RNA molecules targeting Rubicon show therapeutic potential but face challenges such as instability and off-target effects. Here we show a dual-targeted nanoparticle system designed for efficient delivery of Rubicon-targeting small interfering RNA to liver cells. This system has a core-shell structure that ensures stability in the bloodstream and responsiveness to oxidative stress, commonly found in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Once inside the liver cells, the nanoparticles release the RNA molecules, which reduce Rubicon levels, restore lipophagy, and alleviate fatty liver buildup. This strategy offers a flexible platform for targeted gene silencing therapy in liver diseases.