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Review
. 2025 Mar 5:12:1513598.
doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1513598. eCollection 2025.

The hepatocellular model of fatty liver disease: from current imaging diagnostics to innovative proteomics technologies

Renee Hernandez  1 , Natasha S Garcia-Rodriguez  1 , Marco A Arriaga  1 , Ricardo Perez  1 , Auwal A Bala  1 , Ana C Leandro  1   2 , Vince P Diego  1   2 , Marcio Almeida  1   2 , Jason G Parsons  1 , Eron G Manusov  1 , Jacob A Galan  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The hepatocellular model of fatty liver disease: from current imaging diagnostics to innovative proteomics technologies

Renee Hernandez et al. Front Med (Lausanne). .

Abstract

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition characterized by lipid accumulation and inflammation, often progressing to severe liver damage. We aim to review the pathophysiology, diagnostics, and clinical care of MASLD, and review highlights of advances in proteomic technologies. Recent advances in proteomics technologies have improved the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying MASLD progression. We focus on the application of mass spectrometry-based proteomics including single cell proteomics, proteogenomics, extracellular vesicle (EV-omics), and exposomics for biomarker discovery, emphasizing the potential of blood-based panels for noninvasive diagnosis and personalized medicine. Future research directions are presented to develop targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes for MASLD patients.

Keywords: MASH; MASLD; exposomics; proteogenomics; proteomics; single-cell.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Proteomic workflow is used for sample preparation, mass spectrometry analysis, and bioinformatics.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Extracellular vesicles from blood or adipose tissues of MASLD patients present the potential for biomarkers of MASLD.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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