"ABCF1 Haploinsufficiency: A New Genetic Disorder for Gastrointestinal Inflammation”

Speaker:

Xiao-Fei Kong, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Internal Medicine
Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases
UT Southwestern Medical Center

"Targeting Endogenous Retroelement Reverse Transcription in Liver Disease"

Speaker:

Suraj Patel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases
UT Southwestern Medical Center

About Xiao-Fei Kong:

Dr. Kong’s research focuses on identifying the genetic causes of severe gastrointestinal inflammation and immune-related digestive disorders. By combining human genetics, immunology, and clinical investigation, his laboratory seeks to understand how rare genetic variants disrupt immune regulation in the gut. His presentation will provide insight into disease mechanisms and potential targeted therapies.

About Suraj Patel:

Dr. Patel’s research focuses on understanding how metabolism and the immune system interact to influence liver health and disease. His laboratory uses genetic, molecular, and genomic approaches to investigate the mechanisms linking inflammation to metabolic dysfunction in conditions such as fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver injury. His presentation will explore how endogenous retroelements may contribute to liver inflammation and damage, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies for chronic liver disease.