4′‐Hydroxyflavanone suppresses activation of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins and de novo lipid synthesis

Sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBPs) are major transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Here we show that 4′‐hydroxyflavanone (4′‐HF) impairs the fatty acid synthase promoter activity and reduces the activation of SREBPs and their target gene expression in human hepatoma Huh‐7 cells. Moreover, 4′‐HF suppresses de novo fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. This study identifies 4′‐HF as an inhibitor of SREBP maturation and lipid synthesis, and provides evidence that 4′‐HF may have major potential as a pharmaceutical preparation against hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia.