Overview
We hope to improve cell-based therapies for liver disease by understanding the role of the hepatocyte microenvironment on the stability of liver-specific functions. Because of the complexity of the liver architecture and the inadequate therapies for liver disease, we have focused on a cell-based approach. In order to elucidate the role of the microenvironment on the hepatocyte phenotype we study liver tissue in vitro We have specifically used micropatterning to examine the role of cell-cell interactions on hepatocyte function Currently, a number of other structure/function relationships are being explored.

Collectively, these studies will provide a rational approach to hepatic tissue engineering using both conventional and novel tools. Our ultimate goals is to develop insight into the role of the microenvironment in order to maximize hepatocyte function, facilitate design of effective cellular therapies for liver disease, and improve our fundamental understanding of liver physiology and pathophysiology

continue to "Liver Diseases"

Research Interests

1. BioMEMS
   Our efforts have focused on the development of microtechnology tools for cell biology research and tissue engineering applications.

2. Hepatic Tissue Engineering
   We study the effects of the tissue microenvironment on the hepatocyte phenotype in vitro, for applications in cell-based therapies.