MicroRNAs as anti-fibrotic agents to treat liver scarring, fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic liver disease

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

Virtually all biological processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated by microRNAs that control protein-coding gene expression. Our laboratory has identified a number of different microRNAs that regulate the expression of collagen in liver disease and that can be manipulated to control liver scarring or fibrosis. This project is designed to generate novel, chemically modified microRNAs that can be used as anti-fibrotic therapeutics to treat hepatic fibrosis and thus control the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer in patients with chronic liver disease.