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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Mapping Hepatic Stellate Cell Morphology in Mouse Models of Liver Fibrosis
Published on: February 13, 2026
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies Stellate Cell-Derived Complement Component 7 as a Predictor of Fibrosis
Shohei Kondo1, Takefumi Kimura2, Takanobu Iwadare1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
JHEP Reports : Innovation in Hepatology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Complement component 7 (C7) shows promise as a novel biomarker for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study found C7 effectively predicts liver fibrosis and liver-related event risk, outperforming existing markers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Multi-omics Analysis
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) presents a growing global health challenge.
- Advanced fibrosis and liver-related events (LREs) are critical prognostic indicators in MASLD.
- Current non-invasive biomarkers inadequately assess both fibrosis severity and LRE risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a mechanistically grounded, non-invasive biomarker for clinical risk stratification in MASLD.
- To evaluate the predictive capability of novel biomarkers for fibrosis and LREs.
Main Methods:
- Integrative multi-omics analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic datasets.
- Validation in three diverse MASLD cohorts (biopsy-confirmed, VCTE-based, UK Biobank).
- Spatial transcriptomics, in situ hybridization, and in vitro assays to determine molecular localization and function.
Main Results:
- Complement component 7 (C7) emerged as a top candidate biomarker.
- Serum C7 levels strongly correlated with fibrosis stage and liver stiffness.
- C7 demonstrated superior performance in predicting LREs compared to established indices (e.g., FIB-4, APRI) and was independently predictive.
Conclusions:
- C7 is a mechanistically supported, non-invasive biomarker for MASLD.
- C7 surpasses conventional markers in predicting fibrosis and LREs.
- C7 holds potential for improved clinical risk stratification in MASLD patients.