Liver-specific SLC13A3 modulation alleviates MASLD by regulating NADmetabolism.

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a prevalent chronic liver disorder with complex pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Here, we identify the solute carrier SLC13A3 as a critical regulator of MASLD progression. In a mouse model fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol, and high-fructose (HFHCHF) diet, hepatic SLC13A3 expression was significantly upregulated and positively correlated with disease severity. Liver-specific overexpression of Slc13a3 exacerbated hepatic steatosis, lipid accumulation, and metabolic dysfunction, whereas Slc13a3 knockdown attenuated these pathological phenotypes. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that SLC13A3 modulates hepatic NADlevels, thereby influencing the expression of key lipid metabolism genes, including SREBF1, CD36, PPARγ, and SCD1. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized role of SLC13A3 in MASLD pathogenesis and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target.