Anti-inflammatory small molecule inhibitor development to control liver inflammation associated with hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease

Projects can be adapted to suit Honours, PhD or clinical students.

Inflammation is integral in driving early liver scarring (fibrogenesis). The association between hepatic inflammation and circulating ferritin levels in chronic liver disease is well known. However, rather than simply acting as a marker of inflammation, our research has demonstrated that the H-subunit of Ferritin (FTH), released upon hepatocellular injury, actually mediates inflammation. This project will utilise state-of-the-art molecular modelling techniques to identify FTH binding sequences on cell surface receptors we have identified on liver fibroblasts that signal to the nucleus to proinflammatory cytokines. Therapeutic small molecule inhibitors will then be developed to treat chronic liver disease-inducing hepatic inflammation.