Loss of SREBP-1c ameliorates iron-induced liver fibrosis by decreasing lipocalin-2

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Published online: 16 April 2024; doi:10.1038/s12276-024-01213-2Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c plays a role in liver fat regulation and is elevated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Researchers investigated role of SREBP-1c in NASH using mice models and patient samples, focusing on lipocalin-2 (LCN2) regulation. In NASH mice, LCN2 expression was increased, driven by SREBP-1c. LCN2 treatment increased iron accumulation and fibrosis-related gene expression in hepatic stellate cells, dependent on SREBP-1c. LCN2 expression correlated with inflammation and fibrosis in NASH patients. Reduced LCN2 expression protected against NASH in mice lacking SREBP-1c. These findings highlight role of SREBP-1c in NASH via LCN2, revealing a link between iron and lipid metabolism, potentially suggesting new NASH therapy.This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.
Source: Experimental and Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research