Michael Pearen

Michael Pearen

Michael Pearen is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Hepatic Fibrosis group (Professor Grant Ramm) at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane. His current research focuses on ferritin-mediated signalling in hepatic stellate cells and cell signalling mechanisms that produce interactions between liver progenitor cells and hepatic stellate cells. Previously, Michael has worked on connections between the bile salt taurocholate and initiation of the ductular reaction in liver progenitor cells in the context of cholestatic cystic fibrosis liver disease.             

Prior to doing liver research, Michael completed his PhD and early postdoctoral studies with Professor George Muscat at The University of Queensland. His previous work focused on understanding the function of the nuclear hormone receptor Nor-1 in skeletal muscle. In this research he demonstrated that transgenic over-expression of Nor-1 induces the physiological/metabolic changes associated with exercise adaption (in the absence of exercise) including increased running endurance, skeletal muscle hypertrophy, changes to fibre type, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. Michael also demonstrated that Nor-1 was induced by exercise and this therefore suggested that Nor-1 is a key transcription factor involved in exercise adaption. He was awarded the 2014 ADS-Skip Martin Early Career Fellowship for this work.

(Sun 08:30-10:45 Elston Room) Session 3: Liver - Inflammation & Modifiers of Injury
(10:25-10:35)  GRW026 — Evidence for ICAM-1 as a Proinflammatory Receptor for H-Ferritin Signalling

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