Co-authored Paper by Researcher Matsumoto and Researcher Miura of the Translational Research Business Unit Published in Gut Pathogens

2026.04.09

Cross-organ multi-omics profiling of microbiome and metabolome along the gut-liver axis in MASH model mice induced by western diet and MC4R knockout

Publication
Published Date: April 1, 2026

With the rising prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), there is an increasing global need for effective therapeutics. However, the role of the gut–liver axis in MASH pathogenesis remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we applied microbiome and metabolomic analyses to a Western diet (WD)-fed Melanocortin 4 receptor-knockout (MC4R-KO) mouse model, which have a high translational relevance as MASH model, to characterize changes related to the gut–liver axis. We observed an increase in Desulfovibrionaceae and Bacteroides, as also reported in patients with MASH and a decrease in Muribaculaceae and Allobaculum. These changes were correlated with MASH-related endpoints including hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis. We also found reduced free fatty acids and monoglycerides in the intestines, increased triglyceride and diglyceride levels in the liver, and elevated plasma taurine-conjugated bile acids accompanied by reduced hepatic transport of bile acids. These findings suggest the high translational relevance of this mouse model and indicate the potential utility of targeting the gut-liver axis in MASH drug discovery.

Axcelead DDP Solution
Axcelead’s metabolomics platform enables highly accurate measurement of a wide variety of metabolites, along with comprehensive data analysis and interpretation of the results. We support a broad range of sample types, including cell-based and clinical specimens, and possess advanced expertise in sample preparation and quantitative analysis for the comprehensive evaluation of diverse biomolecules such as peptides, lipids, and metabolites.
Furthermore, by integrating state-of-the-art omics technologies—including genomics, transcriptomics (covering bulk, single-cell, and spatial analyses), and proteomics (including phosphoproteomics) analysis—together with advanced bioinformatics capabilities, we provide seamless end-to-end support from data acquisition to biomarker discovery and pharmacological efficacy evaluation.
In particular, for drug discovery research targeting MASH, we offer services that combine these technologies with the WD-fed MC4R knockout mouse model, which has been reported to closely recapitulate MASH pathophysiology (Nature Metabolism, 2024).
Please feel free to contact us if you are considering any evaluation or analytical studies.

Related Service: Omics