Associate Professor
Nhung Hai Truong
Laboratory of Regenerative Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, VNUHCM-University of Science, Vietnam
Title: Mesenchymal stem cells – derived exosomes and siRNA in biological products developing for liver disease
Thanh Minh Dang1,2, Thu Khanh Nguyen1,2, Thao-Uyen Luu Nguyen1,2, Trinh Van Le1,2, Thuy Nhu Trinh 3, Hao Thanh Phan3, Ngoc – Huynh Ton Nguyen3, Nhung Hai Truong1,2*
1 Laboratory of Regenerative Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, VNUHCM-University of Science, Vietnam
2 Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3 DNA International General Hospital, Vietnam
*Corresponding author: Nhung Hai Truong (email: thnhung@hcmus.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
Liver diseases constitute a major global health challenge, encompassing a broad spectrum of conditions from metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. MASLD affects a significant proportion of the population and encompasses alcohol-associated fatty liver (AFL) and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). This condition is a considerable risk factor for progressive liver injury, fibrosis, and liver failure, often co-occurring with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Due to their capacity to transport a variety of bioactive compounds involved in tissue repair, anti-inflammatory responses, and protection against oxidative stress, exosomes have emerged as a potential therapeutic platform for liver diseases. Concurrently, RNA interference (RNAi), particularly small interfering RNA (siRNA), has become an effective tool for modulating genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. This combination represents a promising approach to address the multifactorial nature of liver disease by simultaneously suppressing lipid accumulation via siRNA and harnessing exosomes’ immunomodulatory and regenerative signaling to prevent disease progression.
This presentation discusses the therapeutic potential of combining exosomes with siRNA to modulate hepatic lipid synthesis pathways in liver diseases. Furthermore, we will present and discuss selected experimental findings from our recent studies, highlighting the feasibility and translational potential of this integrated strategy for addressing fatty liver and related chronic liver disorders.
Keywords: exosomes, siRNA, extracellular vesicles, exosome applications
Biography of the presenting author
Assoc. Prof. Nhung Hai Truong, Ph.D., is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Science, VNU-HCM, Vietnam. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2016 and was appointed as an Associate Professor in 2020.
Her research expertise centers on advanced biomedical therapies, specifically stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of liver diseases and drug screening applications. A prolific researcher, Assoc. Prof. Truong has authored over 70 publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her significant contributions to the field have been recognized with the Award of Science and Technology for Youth (2016) and a patented protocol for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into hepatic-like cells certified by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (2020).
Presenting author details
Full name: Trương Hải Nhung
Contact number: 0907974904
Email: thnhung@hcmus.edu.vn
ORCID: 0000-0002-3729-4407
Category: Oral presentation