Research focus
My research looks into how changes in lipid metabolism early in the disease can either speed up or slow the progression from mild liver conditions to more severe MASH. My goal is to understand these mechanisms better, which could help find new ways to treat or prevent liver disease.
Background and experience
My previous work is mainly engaged in stimulated Raman scattering microscopy. Leveraging this technique, my study has shed light on the role of altered lipid composition and distribution in liver fibrosis.
Working at the IMS-MRL
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents the inflammatory variant of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), characterised by steatosis and hepatocellular damage. This condition involves the activation of liver-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and the recruiting of monocyte-derived macrophages, which exacerbate inflammation through the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The intrinsic lipid metabolism of macrophages is critical in determining their inflammatory status. However, the impact of alterations in lipid metabolism across different macrophage subsets within the context of fatty liver diseases remains poorly understood. Considering these observations, we aim to investigate the lipid metabolism of macrophages, focusing on membrane lipid remodelling and de novo lipogenesis across various macrophage phenotypes in MASLD and its progression to MASH. Our project will integrate data from MASLD/MASH human liver biopsies analyses and liver tissues from mouse models. This comprehensive approach aims to shed light on the potential transition from MASL to MASH. This project will address a critical gap in understanding liver disease progression, with significant implications for public health.
Awards
Newton International Fellowships 2024 (Royal Society K.C. Wong International Fellowship), Nov 2024
