Global loss of Tfr2 with concomitant induced iron deficiency greatly ameliorates the phenotype of a murine thalassemia intermedia model

beta-thalassemias result from mutations in beta-globin, causing ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload due to inappropriately low levels of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) lead to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) as a result of inappropriately increased iron uptake from the diet, also due to improperly regulated hepcidin. TFR2 is also thought to be required for efficient erythropoiesis through its interaction with the erythropoietin receptor in erythroid progenitors. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6), a membrane serine protease expressed selectively in the liver, participates in regulating hepcidin production in response to iron stores by cleaving hemojuvelin (HJV). We have previously demonstrated that inhibiting TMPRSS6 expression with a hepatocyte-specific siRNA formulation, induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in murine models of beta-thalassemia intermedia and HH. Here, we demonstrate that Tmprss6 siRNA treatment of double mutant Tfr2(Y245X/Y245X) HH Hbb(th3/+) thalassemic mice induces hepcidin and diminishes tissue and serum iron levels. Importantly, treated double mutant animals produce more mature red blood cells and have a nearly 50% increase in hemoglobin compared to untreated beta-thalassemic mice. Furthermore, we also show that treatment of Tfr2(Y245X/Y245X) HH mice leads to increased hepcidin expression and reduced total body iron burden. These data indicate that siRNA suppression of Tmprss6, in conjunction with the targeting of TFR2, may be superior to inhibiting Tmprss6 alone in the treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading in beta-thalassemia intermedia and may be useful as a method of suppressing the primary iron overload in TFR2-related (type 3) hereditary hemochromatosis.

Automated summary

Beta-thalassemias and hereditary hemochromatosis result from mutations in beta-globin and transferrin receptor 2, respectively, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload. Inhibiting TMPRSS6 expression with siRNA formulation induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in mouse models. Targeting TFR2 with siRNA treatment also increases hepcidin expression and reduces total body iron burden, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for these conditions.