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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The IRM Program in Digestive and Liver Diseases works in partnership with a designated National Institute of Health Center at the University of Pennsylvania. This program covers acute and chronic liver failure, gastrointestinal disorders, cirrhosis and fibrosis.

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

The program’s scientific goals focus on the molecular controls of cellular growth and differentiation in digestive organs, including normal and disease states including cancer, and developing new means of organ generation for transplantation. Researchers are directing their work to a new level of integration in digestive, liver and pancreatic biology, pathobiology and therapy. The program also aims to foster careers for junior faculty members, fellows, residents and students.

Areas of research within the program include:

  ♦ The basis for liver regeneration in normal and disease state
  ♦ Enhancing liver cells’ ability to regenerate themselves
  ♦ Generating new cells and tissue for liver transplantation
  ♦ Identifying stem cells and early tissue cells relevant to liver cell therapy and cancer

ADVANCEMENTS IN MEDICINE

The Program in Digestive and Liver Diseases is nationally recognized as a leader in regenerative and stem cell research. This distinction allows the IRM to attract diverse talent from basic science to clinical expertise and allows Penn to continue to be a leader in this area.

	“When our interdisciplinary research and programs bring together individuals with broad interests and diverse backgrounds, our collaborations lead to greater advances.”
	Anil K. Rustgi, M.D., Director, IRM Program in Digestive and Liver Diseases and T. Grier Miller Professor of Medicine.  Dr. Rustgi researches molecular genetics of gastrointestinal cancers including those originating from the esophagus, pancreas and colon.