Mitochondrial DNA enables AIM2 inflammasome activation and hepatocyte pyroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2021 Jun 1;320(6):G1034-G1044. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00431.2020. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Abstract

Mitochondria damage exacerbates NAFLD through trigerring AIM2 inflammasome activation and hepatocyte pyroptosis. This study provides novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA synthesis in NAFLD and also suggests potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NAFLD.

Keywords: AIM2; inflammasome; mitochondrial DNA; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Diet, High-Fat
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism*
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / genetics
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Pyroptosis / physiology*

Substances

  • Aim2 protein, mouse
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Inflammasomes