Cover Story Current Issue
In 1902, Ralph Larrabee provided intriguing evidence suggesting parallels between the changes in white blood cell counts observed in Boston Marathon runners and those seen in specific disease states. Notably he also noted a considerable leukocytosis of the inflammatory type, suggesting a potential link between extreme exercise and inflammatory responses. This early observation laid the groundwork for further investigations into the complex relationship between exercise intensity, immune system activation, and health outcomes, igniting an ongoing debate about the impact of exercise on the immune system.
Today we know exercise shows quantifiable and observable benefits to human health across multiple scales, but the specific genetic and biological processes and pathways underlying these benefits remain unclear. This is primarily caused by individuals exhibiting significant physiological variations in their response to exercise training, coupled with the diverse methods, subjects and timelines used in studying this phenomenon, which impacts the potential for clear and reproducible analysis. A deeper grasp of the metabolic and cellular impacts of exercise could lead to more targeted exercise approaches. Additionally, unraveling the molecular shifts induced by various exercise methods may hasten the identification of pharmaceutical targets for improving metabolic well-being. To combat the global pandemic of physical inactivity and its associated toll of 5.3 million deaths annually, we must gain a better understanding of the fundamental principles governing physical activity’s benefits.
Current Issue
Improvement of MASLD and MASH by suppression of hepatic N-acetyltransferase 10
Improvement of MASLD and MASH by suppression of hepatic N-acetyltransferase 10
Objective
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are characterized by excessive triglyceride accumulation in the liver. However, due to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, more efforts are needed to identify specific and effective treatments. N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is a newly discovered RNA modification to regulate mRNA. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has not been fully explored in MASLD and MASH.
Methods
The clinical relevance of NAT10 was evaluated based on its expression in various mouse and human models of MASLD and MASH. Acetylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and mRNA stability assays were used to explore the role of NAT10 in regulating ac4C modification and expression of target genes. Genetically engineered mice were employed to investigate the role of NAT10 in MASLD and MASH progression.
Results
Hepatic NAT10 expression was significantly increased in multiple mice and humans of MASLD and MASH. Genetic knockout of NAT10 protected mice from diet-induced hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis, whereas overexpression of NAT10 exacerbated high-fat-diet-induced liver steatosis. Mechanistically, NAT10 binds to Srebp-1c mRNA, promoting its stability and expression, thereby upregulating lipogenic enzymes. Treatment with Remodelin, a NAT10-specific inhibitor, effectively ameliorates liver steatosis and dyslipidemia in a preclinical mouse model.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that NAT10 could regulate lipid metabolism in MASLD and MASH by stabilizing Srebp-1c mRNA and upregulating lipogenic enzymes. This study highlights the role of NAT10 and RNA acetylation in the pathogenesis of MASLD and MASH. Thus, our findings suggest a promising new therapeutic approach, such as the use of NAT10 inhibitor, for treating metabolic liver disease.
Articles in Press
Improvement of MASLD and MASH by suppression of hepatic N-acetyltransferase 10
Improvement of MASLD and MASH by suppression of hepatic N-acetyltransferase 10
Objective
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are characterized by excessive triglyceride accumulation in the liver. However, due to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, more efforts are needed to identify specific and effective treatments. N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is a newly discovered RNA modification to regulate mRNA. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has not been fully explored in MASLD and MASH.
Methods
The clinical relevance of NAT10 was evaluated based on its expression in various mouse and human models of MASLD and MASH. Acetylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and mRNA stability assays were used to explore the role of NAT10 in regulating ac4C modification and expression of target genes. Genetically engineered mice were employed to investigate the role of NAT10 in MASLD and MASH progression.
Results
Hepatic NAT10 expression was significantly increased in multiple mice and humans of MASLD and MASH. Genetic knockout of NAT10 protected mice from diet-induced hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis, whereas overexpression of NAT10 exacerbated high-fat-diet-induced liver steatosis. Mechanistically, NAT10 binds to Srebp-1c mRNA, promoting its stability and expression, thereby upregulating lipogenic enzymes. Treatment with Remodelin, a NAT10-specific inhibitor, effectively ameliorates liver steatosis and dyslipidemia in a preclinical mouse model.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that NAT10 could regulate lipid metabolism in MASLD and MASH by stabilizing Srebp-1c mRNA and upregulating lipogenic enzymes. This study highlights the role of NAT10 and RNA acetylation in the pathogenesis of MASLD and MASH. Thus, our findings suggest a promising new therapeutic approach, such as the use of NAT10 inhibitor, for treating metabolic liver disease.
You are what you eat
Here is a video of Vimeo. When the iframes is activated, a connection to Vimeo is established and, if necessary, cookies from Vimeo are also used. For further information on cookies policy click here.