Biological validation of human liver somatic mutations

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It is well known that the liver is an organ with extraordinary capacity for regeneration and repair. However we do not understand many of the basic mechanisms by which this occurs and what regulates the growth following injury. Our previous work has shown that certain genes seem to play an important role in enabling liver cells (hepatocytes) to divide and form large groups of cells. My approach is to study what happens in healthy and end stage liver disease in order to identify key genes which are involved in liver regeneration. I will then use a variety of novel scientific techniques, such as stem cell derived hepatocytes to unravel the complex relationship between these different genetic pathways. By understanding what goes on at the molecular and cellular level, we will ultimately be able to design new treatments for liver disease such as growing liver cells in the laboratory for cell therapies or by developing new drugs to combat cirrhosis.