Macrophages are key regulators of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and immune responses in the liver, particularly in diseases such as MASLD and MASLD-associated HCC. Lipid accumulation and hepatocyte injury drive the recruitment and reprogramming of macrophages which participate in lipid handling, inflammatory signaling, and fibrogenesis. Understanding the diverse and context-dependent functions of macrophage populations and phenotypes is therefore a research line we are actively involved in.

Seray Anak

PhD student

Dania El Abyad

PhD student

MASLD ranges from simple steatosis (MASL) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), in which hepatocellular ballooning is a hallmark feature. Previous studies have highlighted the morphological complexity of hepatocellular ballooning phenotypes, as well as the challenges associated with their histological assessment. Our lab aims to characterise this heterogeneity at the single-cell level while preserving spatial context, linking distinct ballooning phenotypes to their underlying molecular signatures. 

Seray Anak

PhD student

Ductular reaction is a complex response of the liver to injury, characterized by the proliferation and remodeling of the liver’s biliary epithelial cells. It plays an important role in tissue repair and regeneration, but can contribute to inflammation, fibrosis, and chronic liver disease. We are looking into the potential granularity within ductular reaction using spatial and computational approaches.

Dania El Abyad

PhD student

Within the spectrum of steatotic liver disease (SLD), MASH and ASH share many histopathological features, including steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular inflammation, and varying degrees of fibrosis. However, differences in the pattern and severity of injury can provide useful diagnostic clues. Our lab is interrogating the key histological similarities and distinctions between metabolic (MASH) and alcohol-associated (ASH) steatohepatitis.

Albert Shangin

PhD student