Cell Metabolism：侯晋/曹雪涛等发现新型无膜细胞器，发挥抑制肝纤维化的保护作用

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the discovery of a novel membraneless organelle called Lipid-induced granule (LIG) in hepatocytes, which is induced by lipid accumulation and has implications for understanding liver fibrosis and potential intervention targets for fatty liver disease [3][9]. Group 1: Discovery and Characteristics of LIG - A new type of membraneless organelle, named Lipid-induced granule (LIG), has been identified in hepatocytes, revealing its characteristics, formation, and function [3]. - LIG is formed through the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the DDX49 protein, which is induced by lipid metabolites, particularly arachidonic acid [10]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - LIG plays a role in inhibiting the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) by feedback inhibition of the pro-fibrotic liver factor TIMP2 [10]. - The mechanism involves the recruitment of m5C-modified Timp2 mRNA and its reader YBX1 to LIG, which suppresses the translation of Timp2 mRNA, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis [7][10]. Group 3: Clinical Relevance - The presence of LIG has been identified in human MASLD livers, and its abundance is negatively correlated with the progression of fibrosis [8]. - The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be 30% among adults, with its severe form, MASH, leading to liver fibrosis and significant health risks [6].