Multiscale integrative analyses unveil immune-related diagnostic signature for the progression of MASLD

作者：Bai, Jing; Zhu, Lun; Mi, Wanqi; Gao, Zhengzheng; Ouyang, Minyue; Sheng, Wanlu; Song, Lin; Bao, Lidao^*; Ma, Yuheng^*; Xu, Yingqi^*

来源：Hepatology Communications, 2023, 7(11): e0298.

DOI：10.1097/HC9.0000000000000298

• FATTY LIVER-DISEASE
• CELL
• EXPRESSION
• REVEAL

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease prevalent worldwide, with an increasing incidence associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The progression of MASLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) poses a pressing health concern, highlighting the significance of accurately identifying MASLD and its progression to MASH as a primary challenge in the field. In this study, a systematic integration of 66 immune cell types was conducted. Comprehensive analyses were performed on bulk, single-cell RNA-Seq, and clinical data to investigate the immune cell types implicated in MASLD progression thoroughly. Multiple approaches, including immune infiltration, gene expression trend analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis, and 4 machine learning algorithms, were used to examine the dynamic changes in genes and immune cells during MASLD progression. C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and dedicator of cytokinesis 8 have been identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for MASLD progression. Furthermore, cell communication analysis at the single-cell level revealed that the involvement of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and dedicator of cytokinesis 8 in MASLD progression is mediated through their influence on T cells. Overall, our study identified vital immune cells and a 2-gene diagnostic signature for the progression of MASLD, providing a new perspective on the diagnosis and immune-related molecular mechanisms of MASLD. These findings have important implications for developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapies for MASLD.

• 单位
  哈尔滨医科大学; 内蒙古医学院