Integrating multi-omics and machine learning systematically deciphers cellular heterogeneity and fibrotic regulatory networks in the progression from MASLD to MASH.

ABSTRACT: The progression from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a critical link leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Yet the responsible cellular programs remain unclear. We integrated public single-cell, spatial, and bulk transcriptomic datasets to map microenvironmental remodeling and regulatory networks during MASLD-MASH progression. Among the seven major liver cell types identified, monocytes/macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were significantly enriched and demonstrated spatial co-localization within the context of MASH. We identified a DTNA+distinct macrophage subpopulation that was specifically enriched in MASH. This subpopulation exhibited characteristics consistent with M2

SUBMITTER: Wen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12913776 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature