Confocal image showing the distribution of ZO-1 (in red), b-catenin (in green) and DAPI (blue) in human biliary organoids after apical-out polarity switch.
Micrograph of Sirius red-stained liver section from a Pkhd1del4/del4 mouse showing the extension of portal fibrosis.
Dual immunofluorescence staining showing the co-expression of the biliary marker CK7 (red) and the hepatocellular marker LKM-1 (green) in a human liver specimen from a patient with Alagille Syndrome.
Confocal image of human iPSC-derived cholangiocyte monolayer showing the presence of apical primary cilia (acetylated alpha-tubulin) in green and the expression of the protein ZO-1 (in red) restricted at the apical cell junctions.
Expression of biliary markers CK19 (green) and HNF1b (red) and DAPI nuclear staining (blue) in human iPSC-derived cholangiocytes.
Hepar Lab
Our research is fueled by questions arising from clinical observations at the bedside of the patient and focuses on liver diseases. Diseases of the liver represent a major healthcare problem worldwide and the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the population between 45 and 55 years old. Unfortunately, the incidence of liver disease is expected to increase drastically.
A number of liver conditions are preventable and treatable if the risk factors present in the individual are appropriately identified. However, for many patients with advanced liver disease the only possibility of treatment remains liver transplantation. Better understanding of the mechanisms of progression of liver damage will hopefully lead to more effective treatments.