Rational Design of ACAT Single Enzyme Nanogels for Hepatic Fibrosis Treatment-NanoACATre

Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process characterized by the progressive replacement of functional liver tissue by an extracellular matrix rich in highly cross-linked collagen, with hepatic stellate cells being the main actors of this process.

NanoACATre, intended for the treatment for hepatic fibrosis based on augmenting intracellular Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase (ACAT) in hepatic stellate cells, brings together a talented researcher (Dr.

Andoni Rodriguez-Abetxuko), with a background in nanomaterials and biocatalysis, and iNANO-Aarhus University, an innovative and multidisciplinary research institute at the forefront of nanohybrid-based biomedical solutions for liver disease. NanoACATre will focus on advancing the scientific career of Dr.

Rodriguez-Abetxuko through the development of new Single Enzyme Nanogels (SENs) for the successful management of cholesterol homeostasis in activated hepatic stellate cells to prevent or reconvert their activation and prevent associated complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Under the supervision of Prof.

Brigitte Stdler, a globally recognized researcher on the field of bottom-up synthetic biology, NanoACATre will proceed in a stepwise fashion using cutting-edge methodologies to prepare and physiochemically characterize ACAT-SENs.

The effect of the ACAT-SEN surface physicochemical properties will be evaluated on the ACAT delivery in a rat hepatic stellate cell line.

The interdisciplinary work, integrating expertise in polymeric nanogels and protein delivery, will be necessary to achieve NanoACATre's main goal, and the Cell Mimicry Lab, led by Prof. Stadler, is the ideal place to turn this into reality. NanoACATre is designed to broaden the scientific knowledge and transferable skills of Dr.

Rodriguez-Abetxuko.

In addition, NanoACATre will expand his professional network on the way to eventually becoming an independent group leader in the field of nanomedicine.