Redox-sensitive high-mobility group box-1 isoforms contribute to liver fibrosis progression and resolution in mice

Since oxidative stress plays a major role in liver fibrosis and induces post-translational modifications of proteins, we hypothesized that redox-sensitive HMGB1 isoforms contribute to liver fibrosis progression and resolution. This study is significant because a rise in [H] HMGB1 could flag 'patient at risk', the presence of [O] HMGB1 could suggest 'disease in progress or active scarring', while the appearance of [SO3] HMGB1 could point at 'resolution under way'. The latter could be used as a readout for response to pharmacological intervention with anti-fibrotic agents. RNA sequencing was performed in total liver at peak ALD. RAW264.7 cells were treated with BSA or complex ([O] HMGB1 + IL1β) for 6 hours.