In the search for novel targets that contribute to the initiation and progression of NAFLD in the context of obesity, we recently identified STE20-type kinase TAOK3 (Thousand and One Kinase 3; also known as MAP3K18, JIK, or DPK) as a critical regulator of the dynamic metabolic balance of hepatocellular lipid storage vs. lipid utilization. This evidence concerns the gene TAOK3 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.