MRPL44 regulates lipid metabolism in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through BNIP3-mediated mitophagy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Mitophagy is a critical defense mechanism against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. MRPL44, a mitochondrial ribosomal protein that regulates mitochondrial DNA-encoded gene expression, has not previously been linked to lipid metabolism.

Methods

This study employed an oleic acid/palmitic acid induced HepG2 cell models and a high-fat diet fed mouse models, combined with lentivirus-mediated MRPL44 overexpression and mitophagy assays, to investigate the regulatory role of MRPL44 in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that MRPL44 alleviates lipid metabolic disorders induced by high-fat diet through the mitophagy pathway. Specifically, in oleic acid/palmitic acid-stim

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12527874 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature