Cells Webinar | Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Fibrosis
Welcome from the Chairs
13th Webinar on Cells
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Fibrosis
The hallmark of hepatic fibrosis is the formation and deposition of excess fibrous connective tissue, which destroys the physiological architecture of the liver. This process is highly dynamic and involves cross-talk between parenchymal cells (hepatocytes), non-parenchymal cells (Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells), and infiltrating immune cells. Left untreated, advanced liver fibrosis may progress to severe forms of the disease, such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.
In the past, significant progress in many aspects of hepatic fibrosis research has been made. In particular, central mediators (cytokines, chemokines, lipotoxic substances) have been identified that play critical roles in orchestrating the process of fibrogenesis and influx of immune cells to sites of tissue injury. The translation of these findings to novel therapies is currently ongoing. However, effective treatments are still missing and key questions in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and its consequences are unanswered.
In this Webinar, eminent experts from Germany, Spain and France discuss novel basic and clinical aspects of hepatic fibrogenesis and potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Date: 28 October 2021
Time: 2:00 pm CEST | 8:00am EDT | 8:00pm CST Asia
Webinar ID: 871 2858 0051
Webinar Secretariat: cells.webinar@mdpi.com
Chair
Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
Dr. Weiskirchen is currently head of the Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC) at the RWTH University Hospital Aachen. His major focus is the analysis of TGF-β/BMP and PDGF signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Professor Weiskirchen maintains a variety of national and international cooperations that are focused on molecular aspects of disease formation and therapy. Moreover, his work further aims to identify and evaluate novel biomarkers that might be helpful in diagnosis of hepatic diseases.
Invited Speakers
Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Spain
Dr. Avila is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and director of the Hepatology Program of the Center for Applied Medical Research at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. His research interests include the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the hepatic response to acute injury and regeneration, as well as the genetic mechanisms of chronic liver disease progression and carcinogenesis, with a basic and translational perspective. Research for the identification of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hepatobiliary malignancies in the context of liquid biopsy is also pursued in his laboratory.
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), France
Thomas F. Baumert, MD is Professor of Medicine, head of the Inserm Research Institute for Viral and Liver Diseases (Inserm U1110), director of the Laboratory of Excellence HEPSYS at the University of Strasbourg and Chair of Hepatology at the Center for Digestive Disease and Hepatology at the Strasbourg University Hospitals. His research focuses on the modelling and discovery of the cell circuits underlying liver disease and cancer, uncovering novel strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease and hepatobiliary cancer. His work is supported by Inserm, the European Commission (ERC AdG), the French Research Agency (ANR) and the US National Institutes of Health. The impact of his research is reflected by numerous national and international awards, more than 350 publications and 16 patents and patent applications.
Program
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
|
Prof. Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen Chair Introduction |
2:00 - 2:05 pm |
|
Prof. Dr. Matías A. Ávila Epigenetic mechanisms in liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis |
2:05 - 2:35 pm |
|
Prof. Dr. Thomas Baumert Novel targets for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer prevention |
2:35 - 3:05 pm |
|
Q&A Session |
3:05 - 3:25 pm |
|
Closing of Webinar |
3:25 - 3:30 pm |
Webinar Content
On Thursday, 28 October 2021, MDPI and the Journal Cells organized the 13th webinar on Cells, entitled "Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Fibrosis". Chaired by Prof. Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen from the RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany, the webinar discussed novel basic and clinical aspects of hepatic fibrogenesis and potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
The first speaker to kick off the webinar was Prof. Dr. Matías A. Ávila from the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Spain. He showed the epigenetic mechanisms in liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Prof. Dr. Thomas Baumert, from the Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), France, followed with a talk on the novel targets for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer prevention. Q&A sessions were conducted after each speaker to answer any questions submitted by live online audience.
The webinar was offered via Zoom, and registration was required for attendance. The full recording can be found below. To stay updated on upcoming Cells webinars organized by MDPI, be sure to sign up for our newsletter by clicking on “Subscribe” at the top of the page.
Relevant SI
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2021
Sponsors and Partners
Organizers
