Liver Metabolism and Disorders Laboratory (LiMED)
The liver is one of the most vital and functionally diverse organs in the human body. It serves as a metabolic hub, regulating numerous physiological processes essential for systemic homeostasis. These include energy metabolism, nutrient storage, detoxification, protein synthesis, immune surveillance, and bile production. However, the liver is also a frequent target of various pathologies—ranging from metabolic disorders to chronic inflammation and cancer. A unique hallmark of this organ is its exceptional capacity to regenerate, a property that holds enormous therapeutic promise. Ongoing research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of liver physiology and pathology, paving the way for the development of diagnostic biomarkers, targeted therapies, and regenerative strategies aimed at preserving and restoring liver function.
Research Lines
The Liver Metabolism and Disorders Laboratory specialises in comprehensive liver research, with a primary focus on four key areas:
- Liver Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma). The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of cholangiocarcinoma, identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic strategies.
- Liver Regeneration. Research focuses on the integration of the metabolic processes and cell proliferation that underlie liver regeneration, exploring the potential therapeutic approaches to enhance the liver’s regenerative capacity after liver injury.
- Hepatic Fibrosis. The laboratory examines the molecular mechanisms driving liver fibrosis, including the activation of hepatic stellate cells and extracellular matrix remodelling, to better understand fibrosis progression and reversal, and to identify potential targets for anti-fibrotic therapies.
- Hepatic Metabolism. The lab investigates how hepatic mitochondria adapt to different physiological states, such as fasting or nutrient overload. It also studies metabolic dysregulation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and its link to the development of more severe liver conditions.
In sum, the laboratory goal is to achieve a deeper understanding of liver biology in health and disease, paving the way for the development of innovative diagnostic tools, effective therapies, and regenerative medicine strategies to improve outcomes for patients with liver-related disorders.
Members
Selected publications
Neddylation orchestrates the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program that drives Schwann cell myelination
Hepatic levels of S-adenosylmethionine regulate the adaptive response to fasting
Mitochondrial bioenergetics boost macrophage activation, promoting liver regeneration in metabolically compromised animals
HuR/ELAVL1 drives malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor growth and metastasis.
Methionine and SAMe levels are critical regulators of PP2A activity modulating lipophagy during steatosis.
Human antigen R contributes to hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis
Selected Results
Projects
Current project(s)
National project(s)
Alliances
