Unraveling enhanced liver regeneration in ALPPS: Integrating multi-omics profiling and in vivo CRISPR in mouse models

Postoperative liver failure due to insufficient liver cell quantity and function remains a major cause of mortality following surgery. Hence, additional investigation and elucidation are required concerning suitable surgeries for promoting in vivo regeneration.

We established the portal vein ligation (PVL) and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) mouse models to compare their in vivo regeneration capacity. Then, RNA-seq and microRNA-seq were conducted on the livers from both mouse models. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis algorithm was leveraged to identify crucial gene modules. ScRNA-seq analysis was used to understand the distinctions between Signature30high hepatocytes and Signature30low hepatocytes. Moreover, in vivo, validation was performed in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase knockout mice with gene editing using the CRISPR-cas9 system. A dual luciferase report system was carried out to further identify the regulatory mechanisms.

RNA-seq analysis revealed that ALPPS could better promote cell proliferation compared to the sham and portal vein ligation models. Moreover, a Plk1-related 30-gene signature was identified to predict the cell state. ScRNA-seq analysis confirmed that signature30high hepatocytes had stronger proliferative ability than signature30low hepatocytes. Using microRNA-seq analysis, we identified 53 microRNAs that were time-dependently reduced after ALPPS. Finally, miR-30a-3p might be able to regulate the expression of Plk1, contributing to the liver regeneration of ALPPS.

ALPPS could successfully promote liver regeneration by activating hepatocytes into a proliferative state. Moreover, a Plk1-related 30-gene signature was identified to predict the cell state of hepatocytes. miR-30a-3p might be able to regulate the expression of Plk1, contributing to the liver regeneration of ALPPS.