Overview

The Liver Pathobiology Laboratory of Gregory J. Gores, M.D., focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which dysregulation of cellular signaling events results in the development of disease. In particular, the laboratory studies the underlying mechanisms that result in liver injury during cholestasis.

The laboratory has developed models of cholestasis that mimic the human disease. Using these models, deleterious signaling pathways are delineated, and therapeutic targets and approaches identified. A wide variety of techniques are used, including genetic animal models, organoids, and cell culture models.

State-of-the-art technologies used include:

• Airyscan (super-resolution) confocal microscopy for imaging.
• Cytometry by time-of-flight mass spectrometry for immunoprofiling.
• High-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteomics.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing and NanoString for transcriptomics.
• Spatial transcriptomics.

Studies focus on the role of ferroptosis in biliary tract injury and inflammation, particularly macrophage-associated inflammation, in promoting disease pathogenesis in models of cholestasis.