Paradoxical link between senescent cell state and liver cancer resolved

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is defined by lipid accumulation and inflammation, and makes liver cells enter a tumour-suppressive state called senescence while increasing cancer risk. Investigation of this paradox reveals that MASH-inducing diets trigger senescence by causing DNA damage. However, prolonged metabolic stress allows once-senescent liver cells to start dividing and progress to cancer.