Dr Derek Mann
Based (at time of research): Southampton University Hospital
Donor: British Liver Trust own funds
Amount: £79,230 (payable over three years)
Start date: October 2000
Title of study: Molecular and functional characterisation of an ute-1 binding protein involved in the regulation of timp-1 gene
Download Final report - Professor Mann.pdf
When the human liver is exposed to chronic injury either by viruses (eg.HCV), alcohol or as a consequence of an inherited genetic disorder (eg.haemochromatosis), a specialised liver cell called the hepatic stellate cell responds by producing proteins that help form scar tissue. This process of scar formation or fibrosis eventually results in a serious condition known as cirrhosis in which the normal healthy tissue of the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue.
This was a 3 year research project which began in October 2000.