Natalie Porat-Shliom, Ph.D.
- Center for Cancer Research
- National Cancer Institute
- Building 10, Room 12C207 MSC 1919
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- 240-760-6847
- poratshliomn@mail.nih.gov
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Dr. Porat-Shliom is a cell biologist specializing in advanced light microscopy techniques, with a particular focus on intravital microscopy. Her laboratory employs an integrative approach, combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and cutting-edge imaging methods to examine the fundamental principles of liver zonation. Ultimately, her research provides insights into the role of tissue-level compartmentalization in physiology and pathological conditions such as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), and liver cancer.
Areas of Expertise
CCR Liver Cancer Program
A multidisciplinary research network dedicated to improving early detection, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of liver cancer.
Natalie Porat-Shliom, Ph.D.
Research
Liver anatomy plays a vital role in its metabolic functions. Hepatocytes in the liver are organized in hexagonal units called lobules. Within each lobule, blood flows directionally from the corners of the hexagon resulting in gradients of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones along the periportalāpericentral axis. These gradients, in turn, drive spatially distinct gene expression that drives the spatial separation of metabolic functions, a phenomenon known as liver zonation. Despite liver zonation being identified over a century ago, factors that govern this spatial heterogeneity are not fully understood. Even less explored is the impact of liver zonation on liver disease and cancer (Cunningham and Porat-Shliom Front Physiol 2021). Mitochondria serve as the cellular metabolic hub, continuously adjusting their metabolic output depending on environmental cues. However, how liver zonation affects mitochondrial functions is largely unexplored.
Our team investigates the fascinating relationship between liver anatomy and metabolism using murine models and human samples. We perturb hepatic functions using genetic, hormonal, and dietary manipulation and investigate mitochondria responses at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels.