SUMMARY
Konstantinos N. Lazaridis, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, studies the underlying causes of certain rare liver diseases. His research focuses on the role of genetic predisposition and genetic-environmental interactions in primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are progressive cholestatic liver diseases that lead to liver failure and shorter life expectancy. Both are likely caused by the immune system damaging epithelial cells that line the bile ducts. This is thought to occur when someone has a genetic predisposition to damage related to harmful environmental factors. But because scientists haven't been able to fully explain these interactions, treatment options remain limited. Dr. Lazaridis investigates the underlying processes behind these conditions in the hope of discovering better treatments.
Focus areas
- Research repository and registry. Dr. Lazaridis and his colleagues created and now maintain the largest U.S. research resource of people with primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The resource is linked to a clinical database and to a repository of genomic DNA and cell lines. The repository also holds serum, plasma and other biospecimens from people with these conditions and from select family members.
- Research studies. Dr. Lazaridis' laboratory uses the research repository and other resources along with state-of-the-art experimental methods to systematically investigate genetic and environmental factors that predispose people to developing these liver conditions.
Visit Dr. Lazaridis' Genomic and Exposomic Hepatobiology Laboratory to learn more.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Lazaridis and his research team seek to provide a better understanding of the genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors involved in the development and outcome of these chronic cholestatic liver diseases. Dr. Lazaridis hopes his team's findings will improve prognosis and treatment.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine:
- Carlson and Nelson Endowed Executive Director, 2021-present.
- William O. Lund, Jr. and Natalie C. Lund Program Director for Clinomics, 2015-2022.
- Everett J. and Jane M. Hauck Associate Director, 2014-2022.
- Member, American Society for Clinical Investigation, 2015-present.
- Fellow, American Gastroenterological Association, 2011-present.
- Member, American Society of Human Genetics, 2003-present.
- Fellow, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, 2002-present.
- Member, European Association for the Study of the Liver, 1997-present.