Newcastle University

Liver

The ICM liver grouping forms the majority of the Newcastle University-wide Liver Research Group. We undertake research across the spectrum from liver-related basic science to clinical research in liver medicine. We have a real focus on translational research, translating basic scientific study of the liver into improved treatments for patients with liver disease.

Our basic science programme is focused in three research programme areas:

• fibrosis explores mechanisms of fibrosis development in chronic liver disease which contribute substantially to the development of cirrhosis. This work has identified novel potential approaches to treatment of fibrosis in liver disease which are already undergoing clinical evaluation. (Mann).
  You can find our fibrosis group website here.
• immunobiology (in conjunction with the Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group) focuses on immune mechanisms in autoimmune liver disease and in organ rejection following liver transplantation with a particular interest in direct mechanisms of target cell injury potentially amenable to therapy. (Kirby)
• hepatocyte metabolism (in conjunction with Diabetes) explores the role played by the hepatocyte in cell metabolic function. (Agius)

Our clinical and translational research programme covers:

• autoimmune liver disease (Jones)
• alcoholic liver disease (Stewart)
• liver transplantation (Manas)
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Day)
• hepatitis C (Bassendine)
• drug-induced liver (Daly).

This work ranges from studies of underlying mechanisms, causes of symptoms and their impact on quality of life through to clinical intervention studies aimed at both prolonging life and improving life quality. Our clinical trial work ranges from 'proof of concept' to phase III studies.

We believe that collaboration is essential if we are to achieve our goal of using science to better the lives of patients with liver disease. Please contact us if you would like to discuss collaborative ventures.