Advances in Genetic/Epigenetic Mechanisms and Biomarker Discovery of Liver Fibrosis
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026.
Guest Editor (1)
Prof. Ralf Weiskirchen
Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, 52074, Germany
Interests: Liver Disease; Fibrosis; Biomarker; Cytokines; Chemokines; Translational medicine
Liver fibrosis, the common pathological response to chronic liver injury, remains a major global health burden leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. While significant progress has been made, a comprehensive understanding of its individual genetic susceptibility, dynamic epigenetic regulation, and reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring is still evolving.
We invite the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, short communications, and perspectives that address, but are not limited to, the following key themes:
Genetic Architecture: Identification of novel genetic variants, polymorphisms, and heritable factors that influence susceptibility, progression rate, and treatment response in liver fibrosis (e.g., related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease).
Epigenetic Drivers: Investigations into DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs), and other epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), immune cell responses, and the fibrogenic cascade.
Biomarker Discovery & Validation: Discovery and rigorous validation of novel non-invasive biomarkers (from blood, imaging, or other biofluids) for the early diagnosis, accurate staging, prognosis prediction, and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in liver fibrosis.
Translational & Clinical Applications: Research on the development of epigenetic therapies, genetic risk stratification tools, and the integration of biomarker panels into clinical decision-making pathways for personalized patient care.
