The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is essential in regulating bile acid homeostasis through the intestine FGF15/19 pathway. Dysregulation of bile acids has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome associated steatotic hepatitis (MASH) and cholestasis. As a result, modulators of FXR that show desirable effects in mitigating key characteristics of MASH have been developed as promising therapeutic approaches. However, global FXR activation causes adverse effects such as cholesterol homeostasis imbalance and pruritus. Development of targeted FXR modulation is necessary for ideal MASH therapeutics, but information regarding tissue- and cell-specific FXR functionality is limited. This talk will focus on the following points:

1) Introduction to bile acids, species difference and state-of-the-art animal models
2) Tissue specific FXR function
3) FGF15/19 in the gut to mediate bile acid signaling
4) Future challenges

This activity was originally aired on February 13, 2025.

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