Comprehensive plasma proteomic analysis for biomarker discovery in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

PhD defence by Marie Louise Nautrup Therkelsen

Assessment Committee

Associate professor Sergey Vakhrushev, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Associate professor Mads Israelsen, University of Southern Denmark and Department of Transplantation and Digestive Diseases, Rigsospitalet and Odense Liver Research Center
Dr Henrik Molina, Proteomic Resource Center at The Rockefeller University, NY

Supervisors

Executive Director Jesper Velgaard Olsen
Principal Scientist Mads Grønborg
Clinical Professor Lise Lotte Gluud

Department

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research

Graduate Programme

Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

Place

Building: Mærsk Tower, Room: Aud. Nielsine Nielsen (amfi), Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200

Email address to gain access to the thesis: Marielouisetherkelsen@gmail.com.
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Short description of the thesis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects a substantial and growing proportion of the global population. Identifying which patients are at risk of disease progression remains a major clinical challenge. This PhD thesis investigates whether proteins measured in blood can provide better, non-invasive information about the disease and future complications. Using advanced plasma proteomics and samples from the COCOM-DO cohort, the thesis identifies protein signatures associated with liver fibrosis and future liver decompensation. These findings highlight the potential of blood-based proteomics to improve patient risk assessment, guide clinical decision-making, and support more targeted use of healthcare resources.