The reduced expression of Cidec, Cidea, Cd36, Mogat1, and Fasn, as well as Elovl5 and 7, may provide a mechanism for the diminished hepatic fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis, and the decreased lipid accumulation and be at least in part responsible for the reduced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance observed in CD44KO mice (Fig. 9). The gene discussed is CIDEA; the disease is fatty liver disease.