The tumor suppressor NDRG2 promotes ACC1 proteasomal degradation and inhibits de novo lipogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor characterized by high metabolic dependence. In particular, it relies on dysregulated lipid synthesis. N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC, yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of NDRG2 in HCC progression through the regulation of lipid metabolism. We established NDRG2 -overexpressing and knockout HCC cell lines, and a hepatocellular-specific Ndrg2 −