MAFF alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the CLCF1/STAT3 signaling pathway

Dengliang Lei1, Yihua Wang2, Shanshan Li1

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Abstract

Insights

MAFF protects the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing cell death and inflammation. This transcription factor activates the CLCF1/STAT3 pathway, offering potential therapeutic strategies for liver treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common complication during liver surgery and transplantation.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic IRI are not fully understood.
  • v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog F (MAFF) expression is upregulated after hepatic IRI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MAFF in hepatic IRI.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of MAFF in liver protection.

Main Methods:

  • Adenovirus vectors were used to manipulate MAFF expression in mice.
  • High-throughput sequencing and CUT&Tag/RNA sequencing were employed.
  • Analysis of hepatocyte apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine expression.

Main Results:

  • MAFF expression is upregulated following ischemia-reperfusion.
  • Reduced MAFF expression exacerbates hepatic injury and inflammation.
  • MAFF overexpression ameliorates hepatic IRI.
  • MAFF, via BACH1 heterodimers, directly targets CLCF1, activating STAT3 signaling.

Conclusions:

  • MAFF alleviates hepatic IRI by reducing hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation.
  • The protective effect of MAFF is mediated through the CLCF1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
  • MAFF represents a potential therapeutic target for liver protection.