Defining NASH from a multi-omics systems biology perspective

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease affecting up to 6.5% of the general population. There is no simple definition of NASH, and the molecular mechanism underlying disease pathogenesis remains elusive. Studies applying single omics technologies have enabled a better understanding of the molecular profiles associated with steatosis and hepatic inflammation—the commonly accepted histologic features for diagnosing NASH, as well as the discovery of novel candidate biomarkers. Multi-omics analysis holds great potential to uncover new insights into disease mechanism through integrating multiple layers of molecular information. Despite the technical and computational challenges associated with such efforts, a few pioneering studies have successfully applied multi-omics technologies to investigate NASH. Here, we review the most recent technological developments in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. We summarize multi-omics studies and emerging omics biomarkers in NASH and highlight the biological insights gained through these integrated analyses.