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David N. Assis, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine (Digestive Diseases); Director, Fellowship Program, Digestive Diseases

Contact Information

David N. Assis, MD

Research Summary

I am evaluating the role of an inflammatory protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in autoimmune hepatitis and its ability to predict disease severity, response to therapy, and disease relapse. I am also investigating the potential role of MIF as a chemical mediator between psychological stress and liver inflammation autoimmune hepatitis.

I am evaluating mechanisms of disease and therapies for the treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis including the development of novel bile-derived organoids for the study of this disease.

Extensive Research Description

I am investigating the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in autoimmune hepatitis. Active studies involve serial measurement of serum MIF and its soluble receptor (CD74) in the blood of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, to evaluate if these proteins can serve as biomarkers of disease activity.

I am evaluating cellular mechanisms of the release of the CD74 protein and its neutralizing activity on the cytokine MIF.

I am investigating the role of MIF in the pathophysiology of autoimmune hepatitis in animal models of disease.

A study of the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in autoimmune hepatitis, through clinical and translational investigations.

I am evaluating potential new therapies for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) including all-trans retinoic acid and the development of bile-derived organoids for translational studies in this disease.



Coauthors

Research Interests

Autoimmune Diseases; Cystic Fibrosis; Hepatitis; Liver; Liver Diseases

Public Health Interests

Hepatitis

Selected Publications

Clinical Trials

ConditionsStudy Title
Diseases of the Digestive System - Liver; Diseases of the Digestive System - Pancreas; Diseases of the Digestive System - Small Intestines, Large Intestines & RectumStudy of Elafibranor in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) (ELATIVE)
Immune SystemSeladelpar in Subjects With Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
Diseases of the Digestive System - LiverPhase 2a Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of PLN-74809 in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Diseases of the Digestive System - LiverSafety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Cilofexor in Non-Cirrhotic Adults With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PRIMIS)
Hepatitis; HIV/AIDS; Immune System; Infectious DiseasesScreening In Anticipation of Future Research