NRF2 Activates Growth Factor Genes and Downstream AKT Signaling to Induce Mouse and Human Hepatomegaly

This study identified the oxidative stress response transcription factor NRF2 as a common mediator of hepatomegaly. NRF2 activation results in elevated expression of several growth factors that belong to the Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) families. These growth factors are made by hepatocytes and activate their receptors in an autocrine fashion to stimulate the accumulation of glycogen and lipid that lead to hepatocytes and liver enlargement. The protein kinase AKT plays a key role in this process and its inhibition leads to reversal of hepatomegaly.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - February 23, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Feng He, Laura Antonucci, Shinichiro Yamachika, Zechuan Zhang, Koji Taniguchi, Atsushi Umemura, Georgia Hatzivassiliou, Merone Roose-Girma, Miguel Reina-Campos, Angeles Duran Molina, Maria T. Diaz-Meco, Jorge Moscat, Beicheng Sun, Michael Karin Source Type: research