Gene variant causes metabolic liver disease, study shows

A rare genetic variant has been linked to metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), potentially causing the condition even without other risk factors. Researchers found a specific variant of the MET gene in a family with MASLD, prompting a broader study. Analysis of over 3,900 individuals with MASLD revealed that about 1% carried rare MET gene variants, with some sharing the same variant as the initial family. This discovery suggests genetics play a significant role in MASLD, potentially leading to earlier identification of at-risk individuals and the development of targeted therapies in the future.