SUMMARY
The primary research goal of Nidhi Jalan Sakrikar, Ph.D., is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying fibroinflammatory signaling in primary sclerosing cholangitis. This chronic liver disease is characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. By integrating cell biology, biochemistry, cellular models, animal studies, patient samples, organoid systems and 3D bioprinting, Dr. Jalan Sakrikar endeavors to uncover novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative strategies for combating primary sclerosing cholangitis. She encourages collaboration among researchers, clinicians and radiologists as a central part of this effort to accelerate advancements in the care and treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Focus areas
- Cell signaling mechanisms in cholangiocytes. Dr. Jalan Sakrikar's group uses biochemical assays, advanced imaging techniques and diverse coculture platforms. These tools analyze cellular responses to inflammatory and fibrotic stimuli regulating chemokines and fibrogenic molecules in cholangiocytes, which are epithelial cells lining the bile duct. Cholangiocytes engage the immune system and the liver myofibroblasts, promoting inflammation and the ensuing fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Neutrophil biology and function. Dr. Jalan Sakrikar investigates the functional capabilities of neutrophils in primary sclerosing cholangitis. This includes their phagocytic activity, production of reactive oxygen species, and release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Dr. Jalan Sakrikar also assesses how these functions contribute to liver inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, her efforts are geared toward exploring how interactions between neutrophils and cholangiocytes influence bile duct inflammation, fibrosis and liver injury.
- Telomere biology in liver diseases. DNA damage, telomere shortening and senescence are some of the features of diseased liver cells. Dr. Jalan Sakrikar explores how telomere dysfunction contributes to the fibroinflammatory pathogenesis of liver diseases arising from different etiologies. Her goal is to translate these insights into new and meaningful therapies for patients.
Significance to patient care
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a major risk factor for cirrhosis, colon cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. After diagnosis, many patients have a liver transplant or die within 10 years. Primary sclerosing cholangitis also is one of the most common reasons that people need liver transplants because it tends to get worse quickly and there are few drugs to treat it.
Patients need safe and effective treatments that can keep primary sclerosing cholangitis from getting worse or can even undo the damage it causes. Dr. Jalan Sakrikar is trying to find new ways to reduce inflammation from primary sclerosing cholangitis early on, when the disease is still reversible.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Associate Consultant and Senior Associate Consultant Council, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Member, Equity Inclusion and Diversity Committee, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Treasurer, International Society for Hepatic Sinusoidal Research, 2024-present.
- Mentor, Student Research Internship Collaboration between KU Leuven, Belgium, and Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.
- Mentor, Summer Research Fellowship Program, Mayo Clinic, 2020-present.
- Research award, PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Canada, 2024-2026.
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD):
- Gupta Family Pilot Award in PSC, 2024-2025.
- AASLD-EASL Master Class Award, 2024.
- KL2 Mentored Career Development Award, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 2022-2025.
- Young Investigator Award, Office of Core Shared Services, Mayo Clinic, 2024.