This protective enzyme could help stop fatty liver disease from getting worse
Scientists have identified an enzyme that may act as a natural defense against the worsening of fatty liver disease, which affects an estimated 100 million Americans. The enzyme, called UBE2N, helps liver cells clear away damaged mitochondria and break down fat, potentially preventing the inflammation, scarring, and cell damage associated with the more dangerous condition MASH.
A groundbreaking discovery by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University may hold the key to halting the progression of fatty liver disease. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, has identified an enzyme called UBE2N that plays a crucial role in protecting the liver from damage as the most common form of liver disease worsens.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects an estimated 100 million people in the U.S. Roughly 20% to 25% of those affected progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more severe form of the condition characterized by inflammation, cell injury, and scarring. Current treatments primarily focus on lifestyle changes and limiting further liver damage, but there are limited options and no cure for MASH.
The researchers found that UBE2N levels decline in liver cells as the disease becomes more advanced. UBE2N helps protect the liver by removing damaged mitochondria and supporting fat breakdown. When levels of the enzyme fell, there was an increase in damaged cells and liver injury. Restoring UBE2N levels in laboratory mice led to reductions in fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring.
Lead researcher Ekihiro Seki, MD, PhD, suggests that UBE2N could become a potential treatment target for preventing MASLD from advancing to MASH. This discovery marks an important advancement in understanding steatotic liver disease and opens up new possibilities for developing therapeutic approaches to prevent advanced disease. Further studies will test whether enhancing this protective pathway can complement existing treatments and identify patients most likely to benefit.
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