Epigenetic alteration of complement genes in MASLD 2772

Abstract Description The complement system, an essential component of the innate immune system, plays a key role in defending against invading pathogens. It consists of approximately 60 soluble and membrane-bound proteins, including complement components, receptors, and regulatory factors. Recent in-depth studies have uncovered the system’s diverse roles beyond traditional immune functions, highlighting its involvement in critical physiological processes such as inflammation resolution, apoptotic cell clearance, angiogenesis, wound healing, stem cell recruitment and activation, and tissue repair. Targeting the complement system has emerged as a promising strategy for mitigating the progression of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the relationship between complement activity and MASLD is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to explore the potential link between complement dysregulation and the histological severity of MASLD. Our findings provide strong evidence that epigenetic modifications in complement-related genes are associated with MASLD severity. These insights shed light on the mechanisms underlying MASLD progression and suggest that inhibiting specific complement proteins could be an effective approach for managing the disease. Funding Sources This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (RS-2024-00440883 and 2023R1A2C1003339). Topic Categories Immune Mechanisms of Human Disease (HUM)