Liver Stiffness Rises Early in MASLD and Drives Inflammation, Lipid Dysmetabolism, and Fibrosis via Piezo1–YAP Mechanotransduction (Adv. Sci. 19/2026)

Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease The cover schematically illustrates a proposed mechanobiological framework underlying metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease progression and its response to intervention. A matrix-dominated microenvironment is associated with tissue stiffening and enhanced lipid droplet accumulation, together contributing to elevated tissue-level mechanical stress during disease progression. These mechanical cues are sensed and transmitted through mechanotransduction pathways (symbolized by squirrels), engaging downstream transcriptional programs linked to fibrotic and inflammatory responses and further lipid accumulation, thereby forming a reinforcing loop. Floral elements represent therapeutic or genetic interventions. At the far right, a squirrel diverted by floral cues reflects a potential redirection of mechanical signaling that may slow further lipid accumulation, highlighting the possibility of altering disease trajectory. More details can be found in the Research Article by Na Liu, Haitao Shi, Feng Xu, and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/advs.202519109).