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                    Liver Diseases Branch
    Liver Diseases Branch
        
            Jake Liang.T. Jake Liang, M.D., NIH Distinguished Investigator
        Chief
            jake.liang@nih.gov
    Caroline Philpott.Caroline C. Philpott, M.D.
        Deputy Chief
            carolinep@intra.niddk.nih.gov

        A group of basic and clinical researchers investigating natural history, pathogenesis, fundamental mechanisms and therapeutic innovation in liver diseases.
                About the Branch
        
Branch Menu

    Branch Sections
            About the Branch
        Training & Employment
        Visiting Professors
Branch Sections & Chiefs
    Clinical Hepatology Research Section
                    Marc Ghany, M.D., M.H.Sc.
                Clinical Research Section
                    T. Jake Liang, M.D., NIH Distinguished Investigator
                Genetics and Metabolism Section
                    Caroline C. Philpott, M.D.
                Immunology Section
                    Barbara Rehermann, M.D.
                Liver Diseases Virology Section
                    T. Jake Liang, M.D., NIH Distinguished Investigator
                Liver and Energy Metabolism Section
                    Yaron Rotman, M.D., M.Sc.
                Translational Hepatology Section
                    Theo Heller, M.D.
Learn about opportunities in NIDDK’s Hepatology Fellowship ProgramClinical Hepatology Research Section
        Marc Ghany, M.D., M.H.Sc.,
Section Chief
    The Clinical Hepatology Research Section research interests include: (1) identifying host, viral and environmental factors that determine the natural history of chronic viral hepatitis, in particular hepatitis B and C infections; (2) developing novel treatment paradigms for chronic viral hepatitis and (3) elucidating mechanisms of action of therapy and predictors of treatment response for chronic viral hepatitis.
    
        Visit Section PageClinical Research Section
        T. Jake Liang, M.D., NIH Distinguished Investigator,
Section Chief
    The research interests and current focus of the Clinical Section include: (1) natural history, management, genetics and treatment of viral hepatitis; (2) natural history, management, genetics and treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; (3) evaluation of the biology of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension; (4) study of hepatic involvement in other diseases such as Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Sickle Cell Disease; and (5) evaluation, management and therapy of primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis and metabolic/genetic liver disease.
    
        Visit Section PageGenetics and Metabolism Section
        Caroline C. Philpott, M.D.,
Section Chief
    The Genetics and Metabolism Section investigates the fate of iron in eukaryotic cells. Although iron is an essential nutrient and forms cofactors critical for hundreds of cellular proteins, our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the uptake and utilization of this metal remain limited. Recent studies in our lab have focused on the role of chaperones in the intracellular distribution of iron cofactors.
    
        Visit Section PageImmunology Section
        Barbara Rehermann, M.D.,
Section Chief
    The Immunology Section’s research aims include: (1) innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections of humans, in particular hepatitis B and C virus infections; (2) immunobiology of the liver and liver cancer; and (3) memory T and B cell responses to vaccination.
    
        Visit Section PageLiver Diseases Virology Section
        T. Jake Liang, M.D., NIH Distinguished Investigator,
Section Chief
    The Liver Diseases Virology Section’s research interests include: (1) molecular pathogenesis of hepatitis B and C virus infection; (2) mechanisms of viral hepatocarcinogenesis; (3) viral and innate immunobiology of viral hepatitis; (4) molecular strategies for vaccine and antiviral development; and (5) animal models of liver diseases.
        Visit Section PageLiver and Energy Metabolism Section
        Yaron Rotman, M.D., M.Sc.,
Section Chief
    The Liver and Energy Metabolism Section studies the role of the liver in disorders associated with energy overload, with a specific emphasis on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - a common liver disorder that is frequently seen together with obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. We aim to understand mechanisms of fat accumulation in the liver and resultant liver injury, the genetic components of NAFLD and mechanisms of treatment response, using clinical research and basic science tools.
    
        Visit Section PageTranslational Hepatology Section
        Theo Heller, M.D.,
Section Chief
    The fundamental concept underlying the Translational Hepatology Section’s research is that human disease can serve as a window into broad biological processes, the understanding of which could, in turn, lead to treatments for these and other diseases.  The research aims of the group are to: (1) develop understanding of the clinical syndrome of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, in particular Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis; (2) study the biological processes underlying the development of hepatic regeneration leading to Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia and by extension portal hypertension; and (3) study aspects of viral hepatitis that allow insight into disease mechanisms.
    
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        Last Reviewed October 2023 Contact Us
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