miR-122 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and tumor suppression.

Wen, Jessica; Friedman, Joshua R · J Clin Invest · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

In this issue of JCI, two independent groups describe the effects of germline and liver-specific deletion of Mir122a, the predominant liver miRNA. Their findings reveal a critical role for miR-122 in fat and cholesterol metabolism but suggest that other metabolic actions of the liver are independent of miR-122. Knockout mice also displayed hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that miR-122 has a tumor suppressor role in hepatocytes.