Cells Webinar | Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Fibrosis
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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
Meet Our Speakers
Prof. Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen
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.
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.
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2021