Regenerative Medicine Research
Regenerative medicine is the creation of functional tissues to replace damaged or defective organs or other tissues.
Through regenerative medicine, physicians hope to help damaged tissues heal themselves.
Regenerative medicine also allows doctors to grow tissues in a laboratory and implant them into the patient's body. This branch of medicine is associated with organ transplantation.
Our specialized pathologist researchers study new ways to help the body heal itself, with a particular emphasis on the liver. From stimulating the liver to regrow to helping the body arrest the growth of cancer cells, we're dedicated to creating a better understanding of organ development.
Our Experts in Regenerative Medicine Research
- Aaron Bell, PhD: Dr. Bell's research explores how gene expression helps the hepatocyte maintain its identity during growth and disease. Learn more about Dr. Bell’s research and publications.
- Marie DeFrances, MD: Dr. DeFrances' research group studies how signaling through the PI3K pathway alters liver repair and cancer. For more information on Dr. DeFrances' research and publications.
- Eric Lagasse, MD: Dr. Lagasse and his colleagues direct their research efforts toward understanding stem cell biology, particularly with regard to normal liver function and to cancer growth and metastasis. Learn more about Dr. Lagasse’s research and publications.
- Wendy Mars, PhD: Dr. Mars' laboratory studies how enzymes such as the plasminogen activators can alter growth of liver and cancer cells. Learn more about Dr. Mars' research and publications.
- George Michalopoulos, MD: Dr. Michalopoulos is the Chairman of the Department of Pathology at UPMC. He and his team are world leaders in the area of liver regeneration, a process whereby the liver cells regrow after injury or surgery, and are now applying this knowledge to the development of bioartificial livers. Learn more about Dr. Michalopoulos’ research and publications.
- Paul Monga, MD: Dr. Monga's research focuses on unraveling how the beta-catenin signaling pathway contributes to normal and diseased liver growth and development. Learn more about Dr. Monga’s research and publications.
- Reza Zarnegar, PhD: Dr. Zarnegar's laboratory is involved in determining the mechanisms of liver cancer and disease by the hepatocyte growth factor-Met receptor signaling system. Learn more about Dr. Zarnegar’s research and publications.
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