Loss of function of T-box 3 in the liver protects against MASLD.

Abstract

The hallmark feature of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is hepatic lipid accumulation. A recent search for genes impacting MASLD in mice uncovered the transcriptional repressor T-box 3 (Tbx3) as a top hit. In this issue of the JCI, Mannino et al. investigated the mechanism of action of TBX3 in murine MASLD. Tbx3 deletion protected against MASLD by inducing high density lipoprotein binding protein and stimulating hepatic VLDL secretion. Loss-of-function mutations in human TBX3 identified in MASLD patients displayed a similar protective effect. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of lipid export in the prevention of MASLD and identify a transcriptional pathway controlling hepatic lipid secretion that is poised for further investigation.