Fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma: Researchers discover a protein that drives these diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver condition worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers led by Ralf Weiskirchen and Anastasia Asimakopoulos from the Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University Hospital have investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms and discovered a protein that drives the development of fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating fatty liver disease and its associated complications. The Wilhelm Sander Foundation has funded the project with €140,000.