In this study, the upregulation of TAK1 and NF-κB pathways during HFD-induced hepatic steatosis was greatly inhibited by liver-specific TRAF3 deficiency, suggesting the participation of TAK1–IKKβ–IκBα–P65 in TRAF3-mediated inflammation, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis; however, the alternative NF-κB pathway was not significantly influenced by TRAF3 on HFD stimulation in vivo or on palmitate administration in vitro, although the regulation of the NIK-P100-P52/RelB cascade by TRAF3 has been extensively studied33. The gene discussed is IKBKB; the disease is fatty liver disease.