From the Journals

Hidden Gene Error Found in Fatty Liver

Exome sequencing reveals a rare MET mutation in liver disease

March 20, 2026
2 min

The Pathologist

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A study in Hepatology reveals a rare inherited variant in the MET gene responsible for steatotic liver disease (SLD) in certain patients, independent of typical metabolic risk factors. Conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers, the genetic analysis identified a specific mutation in the MET kinase domain in a family with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis. Functional tests suggested that this variant disrupts MET signaling, impacting hepatocyte lipid metabolism and inflammation. The significance of this discovery prompts further investigation into diagnostic evaluations and risk assessments for liver diseases.