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The Liver Research
Center is a recently constructed 13,000-sq. ft. facility emphasizing
molecular biology of liver diseases. Fellows may participate
in many of the established studies i.e., genomics, pathogenesis
of HCC.
The molecular relationship
between chronic hepatitis B, C infection(s) and HCC is under
investigation. Of interest is the generation of naturally
occurring viral variants which convey different biologic properties
i.e., latency, low gene expression, and increased virulence.
Ongoing studies examine the molecular mechanisms of viral
integration into cellular DNA during the development of HCC
with emphasis on HBV variants.
Attempts are underway
to understand: hepadnavirus hepatocyte cell surface receptor
binding protein, the functional role of hepatitis Bx protein,
characterization and cloning of liver specific proteins. All
relate to the hepatocyte transformation process since HBx,
in combination with cellular factors, acts as a transcriptional
transactivator of growth-related genes.
The development
of antiviral approaches i.e., antisense oligonucleotides,
ribozymes, dominant negative mutants, therapeutic viral DNA-based
vaccines, that interfere with HBV/HCV replication. Gene therapy
of viral hepatic disease to develop DNA constructs for delivery
to the liver i.e., receptor mediated endocytosis of targeted
liposomes, and use of various adenoviral, retroviral, and
adeno-associated viral constructs that express genes of interest
in hepatocytes.
Major work focuses
on growth regulation of hepatocytes through factor receptors
and intracellular signal transduction pathways i.e., insulin
receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). Downstream MAP kinase activation
is being studied in a variety of experimental and human disease
systems. Finally, the relationship of chronic HBV infection
and activation of growth factor signal transduction cascade
is actively pursued at the molecular level.
POSTDOCTORAL
FELLOWS
POSTDOCTORAL
ALUMNI
MEDICAL, GRADUATE STUDENTS AND LAB SUPPORT
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
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