Topic: Interorgan Crosstalk in MASLD and Metabolic Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapeutics

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and related metabolic disorders are increasingly recognized as systemic diseases shaped by complex interactions between metabolic organs. The liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, gut and pancreas form an interconnected network that coordinates energy homeostasis, nutrient metabolism and immune responses. Disruption of these interactions contributes to metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation and progressive organ damage.

Emerging evidence has revealed that interorgan communication extends beyond classical endocrine signaling to encompass metabolites, bioactive lipids, extracellular vesicles and immune-mediated pathways. Understanding how these signals integrate metabolic responses across tissues offers new perspectives on disease pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention.

This special issue seeks to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing interorgan crosstalk in MASLD and metabolic diseases, with a particular emphasis on translating mechanistic insights into therapeutic opportunities.

Objectives

● To provide novel insights into the mechanisms and physiological relevance of interorgan communication;

● To understand how dysregulated interorgan communication drives MASLD, metabolic dysfunction, and target organ damage;

● To identify emerging molecular mediators, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets;

● To bridge fundamental discoveries with translational and clinical advances in metabolic disease treatment.

Topics Covered

● Interorgan communications in metabolic homeostasis and disease;

● Endocrine factors, metabolites, bioactive lipids, and extracellular vesicles as mediators of organ crosstalk;

● Immunometabolic interactions and metabolic inflammation;

● Gut microbiota and microbiome-derived metabolic signals;

● Epigenetic and epitranscripotomic regulation of interorgan communication;

● Therapeutic targeting of interorgan signaling, including incretin-based therapies, metabolic interventions and precision medicine.

Target Audience

This Special Issue welcomes contributions from researchers and clinicians across endocrinology, hepatology, metabolism, immunology and related disciplines, with an interest in the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications of interorgan communication.