Research Laboratory
The Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program research laboratory utilizes high throughput techniques as well as traditional assays to interpret the mechanisms of chronic diseases and to discover non-invasive diagnostic markers for patients with liver disease and obesity.
Our ultimate goal as researchers is to realize the promise of translational research by establishing a true “bench to bedside” approach to a number of important chronic diseases. We collaborate closely with clinicians, statisticians and data management personnel to develop in-depth molecular profiling of human tissues.
Current Research Activities
The research laboratory is equipped to run state-of-the-art assays as well as standard procedures. BioPlex multiplex suspension array system allows assessment of several protein analytes simultaneously from human tissue.
Our flow cytometer, fluorescent and bright field microscopes allow for detailed investigation of cells and tissues. The thermal cyclers with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection systems allow for high throughput molecular profiling at the level of transcription.
These technologies have not come at the expense of the equipment and expertise necessary to run consistent high-quality ELISAs, as well as techniques such as electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. The research laboratory also has equipment, such as refrigerated centrifuges, plated readers, fluorescence microscope, light and inverted microscope, flow cytometer and cell culture incubators to carry out extensive investigations of the molecular profile of various tissues. More importantly, experienced scientists isolate specific cell types from human tissue and extract the significant macromolecules.
Finally, our cell culture facility permits experimentation to confirm hypotheses and complement observations of the genetics, biochemistry and cell biology of our patient population.
Details of Current Investigations
Three current protocols exemplify the diversity and flexibility of our research. In one study, we are examining the fundamental biological and biochemical changes that underlie the development of obesity and related liver diseases by extracting and profiling total microRNA from human adipose tissue, as well as the suppression targets of the microRNA.
This project not only has the potential to elevate fundamental knowledge of common chronic diseases, but to contribute to the understanding of subjects ranging from diabetes mellitus to obesity. In another project, the serum of hundreds of patients is being examined for concentrations of particular biomarkers using ELISAs to assess a diagnostic panel for obesity-related disease. This project has significant implications for these patients, as diagnosis currently requires a liver biopsy.
Finally, our laboratory is participating in a study using ultrasonography and multiplex molecular profiling to assess the state of systemic inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). The intention of this study is to better understand the linkage between obesity, liver disease and coronary artery disease.
Other ongoing projects include the search for the origin of the fibrotic signaling seen in progressive NAFLD / non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These projects evaluate serum, visceral adipose tissue, as well as serum cytokines, in conjunction with advanced morphometric techniques assessing liver biopsies, to observe previously undetected systematic signaling. We hope that this multi-level approach will give us a better understanding of the background in which NAFLD progresses to NASH.
In each case, our research projects rely on close interdisciplinary collaboration to provide insight and understanding of disease in humans that can lead to improvements in patient care.