Seki Lab
The primary focus of the Seki Lab is to understand the role of innate immune and inflammatory signals in chronic liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, our lab is interested in studying the interplay between hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells (Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells) in chronic liver disease. Our research goal is to discover new mechanisms of and novel therapeutic targets for chronic liver disease.
Personal Statement
Dr. Seki’s early research career focused on the study of Toll-like receptors in Kupffer cells. He then combined his immunology research background with the study of chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Ekihiro Seki, MD, PhD
Breakthrough Research
Our research team has reported that hyaluronan (HA), a biomarker for liver cirrhosis, is the cause and can be a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis (Yang et al. Sci Transl Med. 2019). More recently, we determined that fatty liver hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles promote colorectal cancer liver metastasis by creating an immunosuppressive liver environment (Wang et al. Cell Metabolism 2023).
Laboratory Team
Learn more about the scientists, faculty members, investigators and other healthcare professionals of the Seki Lab, whose dedicated efforts lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Job Opportunities
We are actively recruiting students and postdocs to be our colleagues and expand lab knowledge and expertise to make important breakthroughs.
Collaborations
The Seki Lab collaborates with a wide range of investigators within Cedars-Sinai and institutions around the world.
Contact the Seki Lab
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Davis Building, Rooms 2099, 2029
Los Angeles, CA 90048