Macrophages Atp6v0d2 regulates XBP1-mediated cholesterol metabolism to suppress metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis progression.

BACKGROUND

Myeloid-derived macrophages (MDMs) play a spatiotemporally regulated and pivotal role in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Among these, Atp6v0d2, a macrophage-specific lysosomal gene associated with Trem2, has been identified as significantly upregulated in MASH livers through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and clinical sample validation. However, the mechanism of Atp6v0d2 in MASH pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the functional significance of Atp6v0d2 in MASH and explore its potential as a therapeutic target.

METHODS

To investigate role of myeloid-derived macrophage Atp6v0d2, we generated myeloid Atp6v0d2 knockout(Atp6v0d2Lyz2-cre, Atp6v0d2), Atp6v0d2 global knockout (Atp6v0d2-/-), R26-e(CAG-LSL-Trem2-2 A-tdToamto) mice, myeloid Trem2 knockout(Trem2Lyz2-cre, Trem2). These models were studied in two diet-induced obesity (DIO) male mouse models-GAN and CDAHFD.

RESULTS

Our study reveals that Atp6v0d2 is significantly upregulated in MDMs within MASH livers. Atp6v0d2 deficiency exacerbated hepatic steatosis, fibrosis in DIO mice, while its upregulation in MDMs conferred protection against MASH progression. Mechanistically, Atp6v0d2 deficiency triggered XBP1-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress in macrophages, leading to the impaired transition of macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype while concurrently aggravating macrophage apoptosis and impaired cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol overload in Atp6v0d2-deficient macrophages further disrupted Trem2 + macrophages efferocytosis, resulting in the accumulation of apoptotic, lipid-laden hepatocytes. This process was linked to the blockade of downstream LXR/MerTK. Administration of TAK-242 (Resatorvid), which induces Atp6v0d2 overexpression, ameliorated MASH-related pathology.

CONCLUSION

We uncovered a critical role of myeloid-specific Atp6v0d2 in maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis and suppressing MASH progression. Targeted activation of Atp6v0d2 as a promising therapeutic strategy for MASH.