Although previous studies reported activation of AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-regulated autophagy ameliorated hepatic steatosis13,46,47, here we demonstrated that fatty acids could block hepatic autophagic flux independently of regulating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling during NASH. The gene discussed is ULK1; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.