Increased PRL-1 in BM-derived MSCs triggers anaerobic metabolism via mitochondria in a cholestatic rat model

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in chronic liver disease is associated with mitochondrial anaerobic metabolism. Phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1), known as protein tyrosine phosphatase type 4A, member 1 (PTP4A1), plays a critical role in liver regeneration. However, its therapeutic mechanism remains obscure. The aim of this study was to establish genetically modified bone marrow (BM)-MSCs overexpressing PRL-1 (BM-MSCs^PRL−1) and to investigate their therapeutic effects on mitochondrial anaerobic metabolism in a bile duct ligation (BDL)-injured cholestatic rat model. BM-MSCs^PRL−1 were generated with lentiviral and nonviral gene delivery systems and characterized. Compared with naive cells, BM-MSCs^PRL−1 showed an improved antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial dynamics and decreased cellular senescence. In particular, mitochondrial respiration in BM-MSCs^PRL−1 generated using the nonviral system was significantly increased as well as mtDNA copy number and total ATP production. Moreover, transplantation of BM-MSCs^PRL−1 generated using the nonviral system had predominantly antifibrotic effects and restored hepatic function in a BDL rat model. Decreased cytoplasmic lactate and increased mitochondrial lactate upon the administration of BM-MSCs^PRL−1 indicated significant alterations in mtDNA copy number and ATP production, activating anaerobic metabolism. In conclusion, BM-MSCs^PRL−1 generated by a nonviral gene delivery system enhanced anaerobic mitochondrial metabolism in a cholestatic rat model, improving hepatic function.