Microscopy showing lipid droplets and tissue scarring in the liver affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Understanding mechanisms behind nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Dr. Hirsova's lab seeks to discover the critical cellular and molecular processes underlying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis and develop targeted therapies for patients with the more inflammatory form of NAFLD called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Overview

The goals of the Liver Disease Immunobiology Lab led by Petra Hirsova, Pharm.D., Ph.D., at Mayo Clinic are to:

  • Dissect the underlying disease mechanisms
  • Identify druggable targets
  • Develop novel therapeutic strategies

To accomplish these goals, the research team employs a multidisciplinary, translational approach using biologically relevant mouse models, genetic and pharmacological in vivo strategies, as well as pathological human specimens. The laboratory performs a wide range of imaging, molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques as well as state-of-the-art methodologies, such as immunophenotyping by mass cytometry.

Affiliations

Dr. Hirsova's Liver Immunobiology Lab is affiliated with these Mayo Clinic research areas:

About Dr. Hirsova

Petra Hirsova, Pharm.D., Ph.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. She is a member of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), where she has held several leadership positions. Dr. Hirsova is also the co-director of Mayo Clinic's extracellular vesicles interest group.