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Drosha Dice(r)ing lipid metabolism in the liver

Li Na Zhao1, Philipp Kaldis1

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences and Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC), Lund University, Clinical Research Centre (CRC), 202 13 Malmö, Sweden.

Cell Chemical Biology
|May 21, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Drosha, an enzyme for microRNA processing, regulates lipid metabolism by controlling SREBP1 activation in the liver. This finding is crucial for understanding and potentially treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are critical transcription factors governing lipid metabolism.
  • Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is central to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Drosha in the regulation of SREBP transcription factors.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which Drosha influences hepatic lipid metabolism in the context of MASLD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microRNA processing pathways.
  • Investigation of SREBP1 maturation and activation in liver cells.
  • Studies involving mouse models of MASLD.

Main Results:

  • Drosha was identified as a key regulator of SREBP1 maturation and activation in hepatocytes.
  • Drosha's activity impacts hepatic lipid homeostasis.
  • The Drosha-SREBP1 axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD.

Conclusions:

  • Drosha plays a novel role in regulating lipid metabolism beyond its known function in microRNA processing.
  • Targeting the Drosha-SREBP1 pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for MASLD.

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