Overview

Led by principal investigator Nicholas F. LaRusso, M.D., the Cholangiopathies Laboratory at Mayo Clinic is tackling some of the most challenging conditions that can affect the liver.

Our research focuses on hepatic epithelial cell function and dysfunction. In particular, we mainly study cholangiocytes, which are the epithelial cells that line the bile ducts. Cholangiocytes have biological and clinical importance because they are the main cellular target of cholangiopathies.

Cholangiopathy is a category of chronic, progressive liver diseases. Cholangiopathies cause considerable morbidity and mortality because of a lack of effective treatment options, and they often lead to end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation. They also pose an economic burden because of associated healthcare costs.

Dr. LaRusso hopes to develop novel therapeutics for people with cholangiopathies who might otherwise face limited treatment options.

Our lab has had continuous support from the National Institutes of Health for more than four decades, including a MERIT award attesting to our research relevance.

Dr. LaRusso's clinical activities with patients are directly linked to the conditions studied in the lab. Conversely, many of the emerging research ideas and questions we investigate in the lab are direct outgrowths of interactions with patients. Indeed, research in the Cholangiopathies Lab has already resulted in new and effective pharmacological treatments for polycystic liver diseases and is on the verge of breakthrough treatments for other cholangiopathies.

About Dr. LaRusso

As a practicing physician, Dr. LaRusso specializes in gastroenterology and hepatology, with clinical expertise in primary sclerosing cholangitis and polycystic liver disease. His research is closely intertwined with his patient care. He has published hundreds of articles about his research findings and conducts clinical studies to advance understanding about hepatobiliary diseases and new treatment options.