In this diet induced NASH and HCC (DINAH) model, key features of obesity associated NAFLD-HCC have been reproduced, highlighting roles for hepatic steatosis and proliferation, with the acquisition of lobular inflammation and CD44 positive macrophages in the development of HCC—even in the absence of progressive injury and fibrosis. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.