My primary area of research is in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cholestatic liver disease and porphyria, for which there are few effective medical therapies available. Specifically, I study the complex role of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in the progression of injury and fibrosis. We have three projects in this area.
1) In the first project, we are studying the impact of inducing hepatocyte-to-biliary reprogramming in order to augment bile flow and reduce biliary injury in models of chronic cholestasis or bile duct paucity, such as Alagille syndrome.
2) In another project, we are determining the fate of these reprogrammed hepatocytes by assessing their ability to transform into either hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
3) In the third project, we are studying the role of β-catenin in porphyrias, which are rare disorders caused by deficiencies in heme biosynthesis pathway enzymes. We are testing a Wnt inhibitor in a model of erythropoietic porphyria to determine if it can enhance autophagy and provide protection from porphyria-induced injury.
Accepting New Students
Yes
Project Accepting Students
Program 1
Program 1 Research Interests
The cellular and molecular basis of liver injury, regeneration, and cholestatic liver disease
Program 1 Faculty Information
Program 2