Metabolic Disorders and Liver Disease

Our research

Many diseases that are caused by or associated with metabolic alterations are common today. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes are examples of such diseases. Understanding changes in metabolism related to the development of diseases can help us identify new drug targets and therapeutic avenues. Metabolism can be studied on the levels of genes, proteins (enzymes), and metabolites. We are mostly interested in metabolites as a readout of enzyme activity.

Studying metabolism in a single organ is always important. However, by also understanding the interaction between organs and systems, we believe that we are more likely to identify the underlying mechanisms of metabolic changes. Our group therefore studies several factors in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of disease development.

Aims

• To determine metabolic remodelling in NAFLD and diabetes using metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics in both mouse models and patient samples.
• To investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie metabolic remodelling, mostly in mouse and cell models.
• To determine metabolites that drive the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Impact

Our projects contribute to the knowledge of how human metabolic diseases develop. This knowledge can then in turn be used to prevent such unwanted diseases. Ultimately, we seek to help patients in the clinic by identifying new drug targets, pathways, and therapeutic approaches.

Research output

Link to a list of research output by the group in Lund University’s research portal

Team members

Link to a list of team members in Lund University's research portal