Heather L Bradley-Franci, PhD

The main focus of my work has been to examine the role and regulation histamine during cholangiopathies mostly during autocrine regulation. I have been trained in the Digestive Disease Research Center (DDRC) under the direction of Dr. Gianfranco Alpini and my experience in the field of cholangiocyte biology and the role that histamine plays during liver insult is strongly supported by my record of publications and presentations. My interest in mast cell-cholangiocyte interaction has been a direct, independent outgrowth of this work. To date I have published six original manuscripts regarding the autocrine role of histamine and histamine receptors on biliary hyperplasia and neoplasia; one as senior, corresponding author (Hepatology, 2012). In addition, I have numerous publications regarding biliary pathophysiology and the models proposed in my application including a corresponding author paper evaluating the protective role of bile acid feeding on biliary damage (Exp Biol Med, 2009) and a recently accepted as corresponding author related to the role of inhibition of histidine decarboxylase (regulated by miR-125b) on biliary homeostasis (Amer Journ Path). I have published two review articles as senior author regarding the role of mast cells during liver disease. To date, I have submitted and presented three oral presentations (one as a presidential plenary talk) to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases regarding the role of mast cells and biliary proliferation.

Editorial Board
Terms of Appointment: March 2016 - February 2018