Fatty liver disease is a growing epidemic that has no effective treatment strategies. To date, most genetic variants associated with fatty liver have a role in the assembly and biosynthesis of lipids.
Our lab studies mouse models of genetic variants associated with fatty liver disease in humans. We primarily employ modern MS based lipidomics and flux technology to determine which metabolic pathways are disrupted under different metabolic states. We compliment this technology by employing biochemical and molecular biology techniques to develop new methods to probe lipid metabolism.
Our goal is to understand the cause of excess fat accumulation and how that leads to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With this understanding, we can develop effective dietary and pharmaceutical approaches to treat cardiovascular disease.