Liver & Metabolism Lab

Research

Liver & Metabolism Lab Summary

The Liver & Metabolism Lab is dedicated to advancing understanding across the full spectrum of metabolic diseases and liver diseases, recognising the close biological and clinical links between these conditions. Our research spans a wide range of topics including metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver transplantation, with additional interest in cardiovascular disease as a major systemic complication of metabolic dysfunction. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach that integrates basic science, clinical research, translational tools, and data science, including the use of imaging for disease assessment and monitoring. Our work is structured across four core domains:

I. Lab Work

At the bench, we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying both metabolic and liver diseases. Using hepatocyte organoids, diet-induced animal models, and multi-omics platforms, we explore how metabolic stress, alcohol exposure, and immune dysregulation contribute to fibrosis, inflammation, malignant transformation, and cardiovascular complications. We also study pathways involved in liver regeneration, aiming to identify therapeutic targets that can halt or reverse disease progression.

II. Translational Research

We translate laboratory insights into clinically relevant applications. This includes the discovery and validation of blood-based biomarkers that reflect key biological processes such as lipotoxicity, fibrosis, and oncogenic signalling, as well as the identification of therapeutic targets for drug development. Our translational efforts support early detection of MASH, alcoholic liver disease, and cardiometabolic complications, and the use of biomarkers for surveillance in patients at risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer—bridging molecular insights with real-world patient care.

III. Clinical Research

Our clinical research programme investigates the full continuum of metabolic and liver disease, through multi-centre collaborations across East and Southeast Asia. We integrate imaging, laboratory tests, and lifestyle data from patients with MASLD, MASH, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cardiovascular risk. This enables us to study disease progression, identify region-specific risk factors, and inform clinical decision-making for screening, prevention, and transplantation.

IV. Artificial Intelligence

We harness artificial intelligence to analyse complex datasets and uncover patterns that are not readily apparent through conventional approaches. By integrating biological, clinical, and environmental data, our models help forecast disease progression—from metabolic dysfunction to cirrhosis, liver cancer, cardiovascular events, or transplant eligibility. In liver cancer, our AI tools enhance early detection and surveillance by tracking longitudinal trends, enabling timely and individualised interventions.

Commercialisation

To ensure our scientific discoveries translate into real-world impact, we actively pursue commercialisation pathways. Through the biotech startup LiverGENIX, we aim to bring our most promising biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic tools to market. LiverGENIX serves as a platform to accelerate the development of next-generation solutions for metabolic and liver diseases, bridging innovation from the lab to the clinic.