About this Research Topic

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as NAFLD, stands as the most prevalent chronic liver condition escalating in global incidence alongside metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. This rise is partly attributed to dietary and lifestyle factors such as insufficient physical activity. Yet, an equally important role is held by (epi)genetic factors, including transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, which also plays a crucial role in explaining the differences in MASLD rates among populations

Research has highlighted how genetic variation affects gene accessibility and expression, significantly altering physiological processes such as cell growth and environmental response. In MASLD, such (epi)genetic mechanisms are known to disrupt metabolic pathways, fostering lipid accumulation, inflammation, and cellular damage in hepatic cells. This connection underscores the critical role (epi)genetics plays in the pathogenesis of MASLD and its potential as a focal point for precision medicine in the development of targeted treatments and preventative measures.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of (epi)genetic regulation in MASLD through the collection of original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective articles exploring (epi)genetic-based physiological regulation, intervention, and therapy for MASLD. pioneering research and comprehensive reviews. Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Impact of (Epi)genetic Changes on Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in MASLD
• How (Epi)genetics Regulate Inflammatory Pathways in MASLD
• Role of (Epi)genetic in Liver Fat Metabolism and MASLD Pathophysiology
• (Epi)Genetic Biomarkers for MASLD
• Novel methodologies to study (epi)genetic changes in MASLD
• Genome-wide (epi)genetic changes including expression-based polygenic risk (ePRS) studies in MASLD
• Genetic variants altering epigenetics related to MASLD
• The role and impact of (epi)genetic mechanisms in MASLD onset and progression
• Influence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance on MASLD risk
• New treatment approaches targeting or incorporating (epi)genetic markers in MASLD

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Steatosis, Epigenetic regulation, DNA Methylation, Histone, Genetics, Genetic Variant, Metabolic disease, Precision medicine

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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