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0This research identifies a novel gut-liver axis where the long non-coding RNA SNHG9 protects against drug-induced liver injury (DILI), specifically from acetaminophen overdose. The study demonstrates that the gut microbiota modulates hepatic SNHG9 levels through the metabolite HMB, which is primarily produced by bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum. Mechanistically, SNHG9 binds to the protein IMP2 to destabilize MYC mRNA, thereby removing a transcriptional repressor and increasing the expression of the MAS receptor. This activation triggers MAS-mediated autophagy, a cellular recycling process that clears damage and reduces hepatotoxicity. Clinical data from human patients supports these findings, showing that higher levels of SNHG9 and HMB correlate with reduced liver damage. Ultimately, the findings suggest that supplementing HMB or specific probiotics could offer a therapeutic strategy for mitigating acute liver failure.
References:
Bao W, Hang B, Zeng D, et al. Hepatic SNHG9 links gut microbiota to liver protection in drug-induced liver injury[J]. Nature Communications, 2026, 17(1): 4415.
