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HSD17B13: A Potential Therapeutic Target for NAFLD
Hai-Bo Zhang1, Wen Su2, Hu Xu1
1Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves lipid droplet expansion. The protein HSD17B13 is linked to NAFLD/NASH development and severity, offering a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly steatohepatitis (NASH), is a major driver of chronic liver disease.
- Current treatments for NAFLD/NASH are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and expansion are central to NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of HSD17B13 in NAFLD/NASH.
- To highlight HSD17B13 as a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD/NASH.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on HSD17B13.
- Analysis of genetic studies linking HSD17B13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to NAFLD/NASH and chronic liver diseases (CLDs).
- Examination of experimental animal models and patient data.
Main Results:
- HSD17B13 is a liver-enriched, hepatocyte-specific protein associated with lipid droplets.
- Genetic studies show a strong correlation between HSD17B13 SNPs and the incidence/severity of NAFLD/NASH and other CLDs.
- HSD17B13 plays a significant role in promoting NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis in both experimental and human studies.
Conclusions:
- HSD17B13 is implicated in the development and progression of NAFLD/NASH.
- HSD17B13 represents a promising therapeutic target for novel NAFLD/NASH treatments.
