University of California San Francisco

Research

CD163 - Marco

Investigating How Immune Cells Regulate the Development and Repair of Fetal Organs

We study how immune cells may regulate the development and repair of fetal organs.  Our research is currently focused on the development of the liver and bile ducts as the fetal liver is ripe with interactions between developing hepatocytes/cholangiocytes and the hematopoietic system.  We are interested in identifying key relationships and interactions between immune cells and developing tissues in both the steady state and during fetal injury.  Using advanced surgical techniques in mouse models, we are able to manipulate and induce injury in fetal organs.  We have also employed “discovery” approaches to identify novel cell types and pathways that may serve as a link between the immune system and fetal development. 

Defining the Spatial and Temporal Relationships Between Tissue Resident Macrophages and Developing Hepatocytes and Cholangiocytes

Using genetic tools in mice, we are able to label tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) in the fetal liver. We are characterizing where and when TRMs localize in relation to the development of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. ...

Fetal Mechanisms of Liver and Bile Duct Repair: A Link to the Prenatal Origins of Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication for liver transplantation in children worldwide. Estimated to occur in ~1:15,000 live births in the US, BA is characterized by periportal inflammation and bile duct obliteration that is thought to be triggered by bile duct epithelial injury. Current therapy relies on early diagnosis and early surgical drainage via a Kasai portoenterostomy. Despite early intervention, most patients develop progressive liver cirrhosis and require a liver transplant. Treatments for BA directed at reducing biliary ...

Generating a Cell Atlas of the Developing Liver

In collaboration with Dr. Bruce Wang and the Wang Lab, we have utilized single cell technology to create a transcriptome of the developing fetal liver. We will use this atlas to identify novel immune populations in the developing liver. This will lead to further investigations regarding the role of these immune cell populations in the development of the fetal liver. ...