NPJ Regenerative medicineJul 21, 2026

Lipid nanoparticle therapy delivering HGF mRNA helps heal the uterus after cesarean in mice

mRNA Technology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jul 23, 2026

Abstract

HGF mRNA lipid nanoparticle treatment significantly increased endometrial thickness and gland density in a mouse model of previous cesarean scar defect.

The incidence of previous cesarean scar defect rises to 76% after three cesarean sections.
Local application of HGF mRNA lipid nanoparticles improved smooth muscle regeneration and promoted new blood vessel formation at postoperative days 7 and 30.
Collagen deposition was reduced in the treated group compared to controls.
Upregulated genes associated with cell proliferation, migration, and survival were identified in the treatment group through transcriptomic profiling.
In vitro studies indicated that HGF enhanced the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells.

Simplified

Previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD) is the most common complication following cesarean delivery, characterized by myometrial thinning or disruption. Its incidence rises with increasing number of cesarean sections, reaching 76% after three procedures, yet effective clinical interventions remain lacking. Inadequate blood supply and weak regeneration of the lower uterine segment are key pathogenic contributors, suggesting that improving local perfusion could facilitate wound healing. In this study, we developed lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and applied it locally to uterine incisions in a mouse model. HGF mRNA LNP treatment significantly increased endometrial thickness and gland density, reduced collagen deposition, and promoted smooth muscle regeneration and angiogenesis at days 7 and 30 postoperatively. Favorable trends in pregnancy outcomes were observed. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters remained comparable between groups at all time points examined. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that upregulated genes in the HGF mRNA LNP group were involved in cell proliferation, migration, and survival. In vitro, HGF enhanced endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Collectively, these findings indicate that HGF mRNA LNP delivery at the site of uterine incision injury can promote structural and functional uterine repair in a small‑animal model, and provide a rationale for further preclinical evaluation.

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

View Full Text ↗

Funding

Competing interests

0%of authors

0 of 14

authors report competing interests

14 report none

PubMed

Lipid nanoparticle therapy delivering HGF mRNA helps heal the uterus after cesarean in mice

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the mrna technology brief

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the mrna technology brief