Scientists at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) at the University of Navarra have identified a gene, SLU7, which improves liver function. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests that this gene may offer better treatment for patients with chronic liver damage.

The liver, a highly specialized organ, has many functions which are vital for the body: it is involved in the digestion of food; works as a filter to eliminate toxins from the blood; stores the vitamins, proteins and sugars needed for the proper functioning of other organs and controls the levels of cholesterol and glucose in the blood, among others.

The liver function fails in pathological situations such as hepatitis B and C infections, excessive alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity (the 21^st century epidemic). This loss of liver-function is due to the death of hepatocytes (liver cells) which means that these cells no longer express their characteristic genes. "Incorrect liver-function is a risk factor for the development of cardio-vascular disease and diabetes, and may develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer, both of which have a high mortality rate", said María Elizalde from Pamplona, the lead author of the work, which is the thesis for her PhD.

The CIMA researchers have found that the SLU7 gene is responsible for maintaining liver function. "SLU7 regulates the expression and functioning of many of the genes which are characteristic of the liver and the correct metabolism of glucose when altered by diabetes. The expression of this gene is reduced in the affected liver and its return is a promising therapeutic strategy to recover the liver function in cases of chronic damage", claim Dr Matías Ávila and Dr Carmen Berasain, directors of the work.