Research

Overview

NAFLD is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the world today, and progression of this disease greatly increases patient risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver failure. The complex and heterogeneous etiology of NAFLD has limited therapeutic development. Therefore, identifying and understanding molecular mechanisms that drive NAFLD progression is essential to reducing NAFLD-associated mortality. RNA binding protein, human antigen R (HuR), is an essential regulator of liver function and plays important roles in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Specifically, my project focuses on how decreased HuR expression dysregulates bile acid metabolism, promoting NAFLD development.