Overview
Our lab has a long standing interest in liver injury and repair. To learn more about the mechanisms that regulate this process, we study cultured cells, animal models of acute and chronic liver damage and samples from patients with various types of liver disease. Our group also conducts clinical trials in patients with chronic liver disease. We are particularly interested in fatty liver diseases, such as alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Research by our group has advanced understanding in two main areas: 1) immune system regulation of liver injury and regeneration and 2)the role of fetal morphogens, such as the hedgehog pathway, in regulating fibrotic responses to liver damage. Our basic research programs have been enjoyed continuous NIH support since 1989. We welcome students, post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists who have interests in this research area to contact us about training opportunities and potential collaborations.
Since 2001 we have also been an active participant in the NIDDK-funded Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN), a national consortium comprised of 8 university medical centers selected to generate a national registry for patients with NAFLD and to conduct multicenter treatment trials for this disorder. We are actively recruiting patients for this program, as well as a number of other industry-supported NAFLD studies.
Research by our group has advanced understanding in two main areas: 1) immune system regulation of liver injury and regeneration and 2)the role of fetal morphogens, such as the hedgehog pathway, in regulating fibrotic responses to liver damage. Our basic research programs have been enjoyed continuous NIH support since 1989. We welcome students, post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists who have interests in this research area to contact us about training opportunities and potential collaborations.
Since 2001 we have also been an active participant in the NIDDK-funded Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN), a national consortium comprised of 8 university medical centers selected to generate a national registry for patients with NAFLD and to conduct multicenter treatment trials for this disorder. We are actively recruiting patients for this program, as well as a number of other industry-supported NAFLD studies.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Florence McAlister Distinguished Professor of Medicine
·
2005 - Present
Medicine, Gastroenterology,
Medicine
Professor of Medicine
·
2004 - Present
Medicine, Gastroenterology,
Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2004 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
WSTF nuclear autophagy regulates chronic but not acute inflammation.
Journal Article Nature · July 2, 2025 Acute inflammation is an essential response that our bodies use to combat infections1. However, in the absence of infections, chronic inflammation can have a pivotal role in the onset and progression of chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, autoimmu ... Full text Link to item CiteIncident heart failure is common and underrecognized in patients with biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
Journal Article Eur J Heart Fail · May 19, 2025 AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with heart failure (HF), independent of shared risk factors. Our aim was to describe the incidence of HF in patients with biopsy-proven MASLD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We foll ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Targeting Hepatocyte Senescence to Improve NAFLD
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029The Duke Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME): Cancer Research Program
ResearchPreceptor · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2028Hedgehog Pathway in Chronic Pancreatitis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Alabama at Birmingham · 2023 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Georgetown University ·
1978
M.D.