Bezerra Lab

Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Staff Hepatologist, Director of Research, Director of the Digestive Health Center
Dr. Jorge Bezerra investigates the genetic, cellular and molecular basis of biliary atresia and other cholangiopathies in children. He studies diseased tissues and uses complementary animal models to identify causes of liver injury and to develop new therapies to stop progression of liver disease.

Research Fellow
Dr. Li investigates the role of CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia. Her research focuses on the interplay among cytokines, transcription factors and innate cells during activation, differentiation, and expansion of CD4+ T cells in disease pathogenesis.

Research Assistant IV
Reena explores several high-throughput multi-gene sequencing technologies to discover genetic mutations in children with inherited syndromes of intrahepatic cholestasis. She also studies molecular and inflammatory signatures categorizing heterogeneous populations of patients with biliary atresia.

Instructor of Pediatrics
Dr. Shivakumar is investigating the mechanistic role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia focusing on NK- and T-cells and complement components in the initiation and propagation of inflammatory duct injury and obstruction.