Currently I am investigating the role of PGC-1α, a transcriptional coactivator and master regulator of energy metabolism, during liver regeneration. To fully understand the transcriptional regulation of liver growth, proliferation and metabolic homeostasis, we are using genetically modified Ppargc1a floxed mutant mice in which PGC1a can be conditionally deleted in hepatocytes in vivo.

I am also working to validate microRNA targets important in liver regeneration. We have identified and validated microRNA regulatory elements (MREs ) in a group of biologically relevant mRNAs associated with cell proliferation by using a novel prediction algorithm that incorporates miRNA recruitment to the RISC and predicted MREs within Argonaute footprints.

To identify and validate novel targets of microRNAs that are crucial in the functions of liver regeneration, growth and repair and also in hepatocellular carcinomas. These discoveries may lead to development of novel microRNA based therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinomas.

 Current Research Project: NIH R01 DK/CA56669 (PI-Greenbaum). Transcriptional Control in Hepatocyte Proliferation

Liver regeneration, coactivators, nuclear hormone receptors, microRNA