Transplantation Research Program - Liver

The Siragusa Transplantation Center leads important national programs in the study of pediatric liver disease and transplantation that improve transplant outcomes through clinical and laboratory research. Research studies cover a wide range from evaluation of access to care and health outcomes for pediatric recipients of liver transplants to basic science investigation of the causes of biliary atresia, the most common indication for liver transplant in children. We participate in the current National Institute of Health (NIH) networks in pediatric liver disease and liver transplantation. We also have specific research programs focusing on investigation of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease (GALD), genetic cholestasis including Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Our researchers are defining the mechanisms of liver cell injury in these disorders and performing translational studies that will inform treatment trials. Our group leads the NIH-funded Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Immune Response Network (PALF-IRN), which includes 20 centers across the United States, and our team led the development of the multi-center TRIUMPH trial testing treatment to reduce the need for transplantation in children with acute liver failure. Learn more about the Liver Transplant Research Program.