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Published on: October 25, 2021
Variable asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 expression in liver disease: Implications for therapeutic intervention
Dominik Witzigmann1, Luca Quagliata2, Susanne H Schenk1
1Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) targeting for liver disease treatment depends on ASGPR1 expression. This study found ASGPR1 levels vary in liver cancer and cirrhosis, suggesting companion diagnostics are needed for effective therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery via the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) shows promise for treating liver diseases.
- Therapeutic success hinges on ASGPR expression levels in liver parenchymal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mRNA and protein expression of the ASGPR major subunit, ASGR1, in hepatocytes.
- To evaluate ASGR1 expression in vitro and in vivo across various liver conditions.
Main Methods:
- In vitro analysis of liver cancer cell lines.
- RNA microarray screening of ASGR1 mRNA in 59 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and matched non-neoplastic tissues.
- Tissue microarray analysis of ASGR1 protein levels in 350 human liver specimens (HCC and non-neoplastic liver diseases).
Main Results:
- ASGR1 mRNA expression positively correlates with its protein level.
- ASGR1 expression is elevated in cirrhotic liver tissues.
- ASGR1 expression decreases significantly with increasing hepatocellular carcinoma grade.
Conclusions:
- ASGR1 expression exhibits patient-specific variability.
- ASGPR-based therapeutic strategies may require companion diagnostics for optimal clinical efficacy.
- Personalized medicine approaches are crucial for ASGPR-targeted liver disease treatments.
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