Education:
PhD, Nagpur University, India

Liver failure, regeneration, immunology

The research in my laboratory focuses on the mechanisms of intercellular communications that regulate the structure and function of the liver in physiology and pathology. Specifically, we are investigating the role of stellate cells in hepatic inflammation, immune regulation and injury. Stellate cells, which are located in the space of Disse, are in physical association with hepatocytes (parenchymal cells), sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. We found that stellate cells produce several cytokines, chemokines and growth mediators, which can alter hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory and immune responses of the liver in a highly significant manner. My laboratory also demonstrated that interactions of stellate cells with cells of the immune system instigate mechanisms that favor liver’s immunological tolerance. We recently developed a novel stellate cell-depleted mouse model and demonstrated, for the first time, the role of these cells in acute liver injury. Our current research uses this mouse model and in vitro cell culture procedures to elucidate specific molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying pathophysiological functions of stellate cells.

Publications