Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Uncovering early-life viral and bacterial interactions, our laboratory investigates how microbial communities in the infant gut shape health and disease. Combining epidemiology, bioinformatics and molecular virology, we study the evolution of gut viruses, their interplay with bacteria and their role in conditions such as celiac disease. By advancing understanding of these complex dynamics, we aim to improve pediatric health and long-term outcomes.

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Childhood liver disease; liver transplantation; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; ischemia-reperfusion injury

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Dietary fat digestion and mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis.

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Transforming the understanding of misfolded protein diseases, David Perlmutter’s laboratory investigates the pathobiology of α1-antitrypsin deficiency, a rare disorder that drives chronic liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Through groundbreaking studies on protein clearance and liver pathology, the team has developed a pipeline of drugs capable of eliminating misfolded proteins and reversing disease in model systems, with one therapy advancing to phase II/III clinical trials. This innovative drug class holds promise not only for liver disorders but also for age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

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Exploring the molecular signals behind liver regeneration, our laboratory investigates how this remarkable organ restores both structure and function after injury or disease. Using rodent partial hepatectomy and complementary models, we focus on extrahepatic factors that regulate liver mass and regenerative capacity. Translating these insights to human liver disorders, we have identified a novel metabolomic marker with potential to predict clinical outcomes in pediatric acute liver failure, bridging fundamental research with real-world impact.

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Exploring how gut microbiota shape disease outcomes, this laboratory investigates microbial influences on pediatric health through genomic sequencing, clinical data and collaborative research. With a focus on gastrointestinal diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis, projects integrate metagenomics, cohort studies and phylogenetic analysis to uncover microbial drivers of disease and inform future therapeutic strategies.

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Driving innovation in large-scale genomics, Todd Wylie brings over two decades of expertise in biology, informatics and analytics to advance genomic research and technology development. From contributing to the first human genome sequence to pioneering tools like ViroCap, Wylie has led efforts spanning cancer genomics, microbial analysis and high-throughput sequencing. His work bridges wet lab and computational science, delivering transformative solutions that enhance diagnostics and expand the frontiers of genomic medicine.

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Advancing understanding of dietary fat digestion, this research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which pancreatic lipases process fats in young children to support healthy growth and development. Complementary studies examine proteotoxicity in chronic pancreatitis, using misfolded mutant pancreatic lipases as a model to identify pathways that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

Research profile