About The Lab
Our laboratory conducts basic and translational research focused on the pathogenesis and treatment of neonatal liver diseases, with a primary emphasis on cholestasis and parenteral nutrition-associated liver injury. The cornerstone of our lab is a unique neonatal piglet model that allows for complex surgical and nutritional studies, closely mimicking human infantile liver diseases like biliary atresia and parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC). Our overarching goal is to identify novel mechanisms of liver injury and develop targeted therapeutic strategies for vulnerable pediatric populations by building a translational bridge between basic science and clinical care.
A key focus of our current work is to elucidate the mechanisms driving fibrosis and inflammation in neonatal obstructive cholestasis. We are investigating the role of the gut-liver axis, specifically how gut-derived bacterial products contribute to endotoxemia and subsequent liver fibrosis. This includes evaluating therapeutic agents, such as Rifaximin, to modulate the gut microbiome and reduce the inflammatory cascade that promotes liver injury.
Furthermore, a significant portion of our research examines the impact of nutrition on metabolic function and liver health in neonates, particularly those born prematurely or requiring long-term parenteral nutrition. We are exploring how critical nutrients like choline influence metabolic pathways and how specific components of parenteral nutrition, such as various lipid emulsions and phytosterols, contribute to liver disease. Our lab employs an integrative experimental approach that spans from whole-animal physiology to cellular and molecular biology to address these complex clinical questions.
Primary Investigator
My research centers on understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of parenteral nutrition associated liver disease in neonates on long-term parenteral nutrition. My current focus is the role of lipid emulsion constituents on causing the disease progression. This research is performed on a neonatal piglet model in order to assess both physiologic and molecular alterations that are similar to those seen in neonates.
Lab Projects
Publications
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
The Guthrie Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center which houses laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, a greenhouse, observation labs, research volunteer accommodations, a metabolic kitchen, and an elite group of research scientists.
Contact Us
Children’s Nutrition Research Center
1100 Bates St
Office: 713-798-0343
Fax: 713-798-7057
Email: Gregory.Guthrie@bcm.edu
