A comparative genomic study across 396 liver biopsies provides deep insight into FGF21 mode of action as a therapeutic agent in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a systemic disease with insulin resistance at its core. It affects one-third of the world population. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF21)-based therapies are effective in lowering hepatic fat content and fibrosis resolution; yet, its molecular functions remain uncertain. To gain insight into FGF21 mode of action (MoA), we investigated the transcriptomes of MASLD liver biopsies in relation to FGF21 expression.

Methods

We compared N = 66 healthy controls with 396 MASLD patients and considered clinical characteristics relative to NAS disease activity scores (steatosis, lobular inflammation and ballooning), fibrosis grades and sex. We performed comparative genomics to identify FGF21-responsive DEGs, util

SUBMITTER: Tang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11832436 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature