# Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4 in Liver Injury: Multidimensional Regulation and Therapeutic Potential

**Authors:** Ming Xing Liang, Mao Yi Wang, Yu Zhi Su, Ying Zhou, Yu Xin Xie, Wei Li, Ying Hua Chen, Yi Huai He

PMC · DOI: 10.14740/gr2098 · 2026-01-04

## TL;DR

This paper explores the role of ACSL4 in liver diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews ACSL4's regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential in liver injury.

## Key findings

- ACSL4 is highly specific for polyunsaturated fatty acids and is involved in various liver diseases.
- The enzyme's expression and localization in different liver cell types are detailed.
- Targeting ACSL4 shows potential for treating liver-related conditions.

## Abstract

Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the conjugation of long-chain fatty acids with coenzyme A to form acyl-CoA, showing particularly high specificity for polyunsaturated fatty acids. In recent years, ACSL4 has gained increasing attention for its central role in various liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ferroptosis. This article systematically elaborates on the expression profiles and localization of ACSL4 in different liver cell types, as well as its multidimensional regulatory mechanisms in liver injury and the pathogenesis of related diseases. In addition, it explores the potential therapeutic prospects of targeting ACSL4.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** ACSL4 (acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4) [NCBI Gene 2182]
- **Diseases:** metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MONDO:0013209), hepatocellular carcinoma (MONDO:0007256)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** ACSL4 (acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4) [NCBI Gene 2182] {aka ACS4, FACL4, LACS4, MRX63, MRX68, XLID63}
- **Diseases:** metabolic dysfunction (MESH:D008659), hepatocellular carcinoma (MESH:D006528), Liver Injury (MESH:D017093), liver fibrosis (MESH:D008103), liver diseases (MESH:D008107)
- **Chemicals:** acyl-CoA (MESH:D000214), coenzyme A (MESH:D003065), long-chain fatty acids (-), polyunsaturated fatty acids (MESH:D005231)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12978414/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12978414