The mRNA expression levels of fibrotic genes were significantly upregulated in 12-week WDSW-feeding HuRhKO mice, including Ck19, smooth muscle actin (α-Sma), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (Tgfβ1), lysyl oxidase-like 2 (Loxl2), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 4&9 (Sox4&9), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), matrix metallopeptidase 2 and 7 (Mmp2&7), secretin receptor (Sctr), periostin (Postn), and S1pr2, indicating hepatocyte-specific HuR deficiency aggravates WDSW-induced hepatic fibrosis (Fig. 7d). This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and Hepatic fibrosis.