Active caspase-2 has been found increased in both mouse and human NASH and is essential for induction of lipoapoptosis,34 whereas its inhibition prevents steatosis and fibrosis.22 Our results show, for the first time, that miR-21 ablation prevents caspase-2 activation and significantly impairs lipoapoptosis. The gene discussed is CASP2; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.