Research Question and Objective
Liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, are major global health concerns. Despite progress in understanding genetic and lifestyle factors, the interaction between environmental exposures, metabolic changes, and molecular mechanisms remains unclear. Our study aims to:
1. Identify new risk factors and biomarkers for liver diseases using multi-omics data (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
2. Investigate causal links between environmental factors, molecular changes, and disease progression.
3. Develop predictive models for early detection and personalized treatment.
Scientific Rationale
Circulating proteins and metabolites offer insights into liver disease mechanisms, reflecting genetic, environmental, and lifestyle impacts. Prior studies linking obesity and inflammation to liver diseases often rely on single-omics or observational methods. By integrating multi-omics with lifestyle data, we can discover novel biomarkers and clarify causal pathways. Linking GWAS variants to radiomic features may reveal genetic influences on liver phenotypes, while Mendelian randomization can explore causal relationships. This approach will enhance our understanding of liver diseases and support precision medicine efforts.
Our multidisciplinary framework uses advanced technologies and large datasets to address critical gaps, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of liver diseases globally