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Multifaceted Human Antigen R (HuR): A Key Player in Liver Metabolism and MASLD.
Natalie Eppler1, Elizabeth Jones1, Forkan Ahamed1
1Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, MS 1018, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Livers
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health issue. This review highlights the crucial role of the Human antigen R (HuR) protein in liver health and MASLD progression.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 25-30% of adults globally, necessitating new treatments.
- MASLD can advance to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), increasing risks for cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Key metabolic pathways are dysregulated in MASLD, but molecular drivers of progression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the mRNA-binding protein Human antigen R (HuR) in MASLD.
- To explore HuR's function in post-transcriptional regulation of metabolic pathways and liver homeostasis.
- To discuss HuR's involvement in MASLD progression and comorbid conditions.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review summarizing primary literature and recent reviews.
- Focuses on the role of HuR in post-transcriptional regulation.
- Examines evidence linking HuR to liver homeostasis and metabolic stress.
Main Results:
- HuR plays a critical role in regulating nutrient metabolism, cell survival, and stress responses.
- HuR is essential for maintaining liver homeostasis, especially under metabolic stress.
- Hepatocyte-specific HuR depletion worsens MASLD severity.
- HuR dysregulation in extrahepatic tissues contributes to liver dysfunction in comorbid conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- HuR is a key regulator of liver homeostasis and MASLD progression.
- Understanding HuR-regulated networks may lead to targeted therapies for MASLD.
- HuR's role in comorbid conditions highlights its systemic importance in metabolic health.
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