Remodeling of imbalanced extracellular matrix homeostasis for reversal of pancreatic fibrosis

Abstract

Pancreatic fibrosis is mainly manifested by imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis due to excessive deposition of collagen in pancreas by activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Recently, some drugs have exhibited therapeutic potentials for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis; however, currently, no effective clinical strategy is available to remodel imbalanced ECM homeostasis because of inferior targeting abilities of drugs and collagen barriers that hinder the efficient delivery of drugs. Herein, we design and prepare collagen-binding peptide (CBP) and collagenase I co-decorated dual drug-loaded lipid nanoparticles (named AT-CC) for pancreatic fibrosis therapy. Specifically, AT-CC can target fibrotic pancreas via the CBP and degrade excess collagen by the grafted collagenase I, thereby effectively delivering all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TM) into pancreas. The released ATRA can reduce collagen overproduction by inhibiting the activation of PSCs. Moreover, the released TM can restrain lysyloxidase activation, consequently reducing collagen cross-linking. The combination of ATRA and TM represses collagen synthesis and reduces collagen cross linkages to restore ECM homeostasis. The results of this research suggest that AT-CC is a safe and efficient collagen-targeted degradation drug-delivery system for reversing pancreatic fibrosis. Furthermore, the strategy proposed herein will offer an innovative platform for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Keywords: Collagen-binding peptide; Collagenase I; Extracellular matrix homeostasis; Pancreatic fibrosis; Pancreatic stellate cell.