About Us

We pursue two broad, related areas of liver biology and disease:

1. Role of KLF6 in Cell Growth and Human Cancer
   We have cloned a novel Kruppel like factor, KLF6, from liver that is ubiquitously expressed, and mutated in a number of human cancers.   This has led to a comprehensive evaluation of its contributions to liver development, growth, and cancer.

Major KLF6-related research projects are:

• • Identification of KLF6 transcriptional targets by microarray
  • Role of KLF6 in liver development
  • Inactivation of KLF6 in human cancers, esp. hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Animal models of cancer with KLF6 dysregulation
  • KLF6 Interacting proteins
  • Animal models of KLF6 dysregulation (tissue specific KO; KLF6 +/- mice responses to injury and carcinogens)

2. Molecular Regulation of Hepatic Fibrosis
   Our work explores the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and fibrosis in liver. We use a variety of animal and cell culture models to identify key inflammatory mediators and signaling molecules regulating the activation of hepatic stellate cells, the principle fibrogenic cells in liver. Additionally, we test candidate antifibrotic lead compounds to develop potential new therapies for patients with chronic fibrosing liver diseases.

Specific projects include:

• • Testing of antifibrotic lead compounds in animal models
  • Clinical trials of antifibrotic therapies in patients with chronic liver disease
  • Exploration of mechanisms underlying risk-associated genes in hepatic fibrosis
  • Role of KLF6 splicing in hepatic stellate cell activation