Spatial hepatology: Decoding liver zonation for metabolic and regenerative therapeutics (Review)

The integration of spatial omics and single‑cell technologies has redefined liver zonation as a dynamic regulator of regeneration, extending beyond its traditional role in metabolic compartmentalization. This progress has given rise to the emerging field of 'spatial hepatology', which aims to integrate spatial information with molecular features. Compared with conventional bulk or single‑cell approaches, spatial hepatology incorporates tissue architecture into molecular analyses, thereby revealing region‑specific regulatory mechanisms during liver regeneration and disease progression. From this perspective, the present review proposes the concept of zonation‑guided therapeutic strategies. It systematically summarized recent advances in the molecular mechanisms governing liver zonation, examined the role of zonal disruption in liver disease pathogenesis, clarified the dynamic functions of zonated hepatocytes during regeneration and outlined related targeted therapeutic approaches. The present review aimed to establish a framework that integrates basic research with clinical application, providing a theoretical basis for precision hepatology.