Mechanisms of liver regeneration

We study a range of different tissues and organs but are particularly interested in the liver, as its capacity to regenerate is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. We still don’t fully understand how this unique organ senses a wide range of cell injuries and regenerates so quickly and precisely. Recent advances have shown that liver regeneration results in clonal expansions of liver cells, called hepatocytes. Some of these hepatocytes acquire mutations that improve their abilities to grow and survive. A major part of our research program is to model this clonal evolution, experimentally and computationally, in order to better understand the biological basis of the selection advantages which allow survival of the fittest hepatocytes. Our discoveries will advance fundamental knowledge of liver biology and help us identify potential targets for drug discovery. We will then be able to shape the evolutionary process, bio-engineer highly robust hepatocytes and treat liver diseases to address a rapidly increasing clinical need.