ANR VE-S-HICLE : Soazig Le Lay (2026 - 2030)

Soazig Le Lay is the scientific leader of the ANR funded project : Study of extracellular vesicles as carriers of persistent organic pollutants stored in adipose tissue and their effects on MASLD
 

Summary

Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent liver disease and a growing public health concern. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)—notably dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine compounds—are widespread environmental contaminants with known toxicity, and are strongly suspected of promoting MASLD progression.

POPs accumulate in adipose tissue (AT), which becomes an internal reservoir, especially critical during weight loss when stored compounds may be mobilized. The adipose tissue–liver axis is a key player in MASLD development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by adipose tissue (ATEVs) act as metabolic messengers between AT and the liver and may contribute to disease progression. These ATEVs could also carry POPs to the liver, thereby worsening MASLD.
 

This project aims to:

• Investigate the link between POP exposure and MASLD using in vivo models;
• Confirm the role of ATEVs as POP carriers from adipose tissue to the liver using in vivo and in vitro approaches;
• Assess the impact of POP burden on MASLD severity in patients.