Peter Lee with Colleen Croniger, Dept. of Nutrition
Genetic Factors in the Progression of Liver Fibrosis
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of illness and death from liver complications in the United States. Specifically, alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a type of liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver (steatosis) in conjunction with liver inflammation (hepatitis). Previous studies have provided evidence to suggest that the development and progression of ASH is a polygenic disease, involving multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. To develop a better understanding of the factors involved with ASH, we have determined a candidate gene modulating liver fibrosis, Nlrc4. In this project, we will be using mutant mice and cell lines to examine severity of liver damage under various conditions. Liver damage is evaluated using multiple factors, including quantitative analysis of qPCR data, gene expression values, and various enzyme assays. Determining the roles of Nlrc4 in the progression of ASH may provide valuable targets for future medical treatment of alcoholic liver disease.