ROS-Responsive siFGF19 Delivery Reprograms Pancreatic Stellate Cells and Remodels the Desmoplastic Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer
1 Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325000 Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
2 Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325035 Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
3 Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Boao) Hospital, 571434 Qionghai, Hainan, China
4 Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, 310015 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
5 Department of General Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Pingyang, 325400 Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
6 Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712000 Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
7 Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yongkang First People’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 321300 Yongkang, Zhejiang, China
†These authors contributed equally.
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by extensive stromal fibrosis that limits drug delivery and promotes therapeutic resistance. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), key mediators of desmoplasia, represent a promising yet underexploited therapeutic target. This study aimed to suppress PSC activation and remodel tumor stroma by silencing fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) using a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system. Methods: A ROSsensitive gold nanoparticle-based nanoplatform was constructed and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Cellular uptake, gene silencing, and functional effects were evaluated in human PSCs (hPSCs). Fibrosis-related markers were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vivo biodistribution, safety, and antitumor efficacy were assessed in a PANC-1 xenograft model. Results: The nanoplatform exhibited efficient siRNA loading, stability, and ROS-triggered release. Compared with free siRNA, it significantly enhanced intracellular delivery and FGF19 silencing in hPSCs. This resulted in reduced PSC activation, proliferation, migration, and invasion, along with increased apoptosis under oxidative stress. Expression of profibrotic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and fibronectin, was markedly downregulated. In vivo, the nanoplatform preferentially accumulated in tumors, showed favorable biosafety, and significantly inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions: ROS-responsive siFGF19 nanotherapy effectively reprograms PSC activation and remodels the fibrotic tumor microenvironment in PDAC. This strategy provides a promising approach for overcoming stromal barriers and improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
Graphical Abstract

Keywords
- Pancreatic cancer
- nanoparticle
- pancreatic fibrosis
- ROS-responsive
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