Tetyana V. Masyuk, Ph.D.

The work of Tetyana V. Masyuk, Ph.D., is focused on the pathobiology of cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the intrahepatic bile ducts. These cells are important physiologically since they are involved in bile production. They are also a target for different pathological conditions, particularly polycystic liver disease (PLD).

Dr. Masyuk studies the mechanisms of liver cyst formation and growth to reveal molecular and genetic aspects of hepatic cystogenesis and develop potential therapeutic options for disease treatment.

Focus areas

• Mechanisms of cyst formation in PLD. Many different mechanisms are responsible for liver cystogenesis. Dr. Masyuk's work is focused on understanding how structural and functional abnormalities in cholangiocyte cilia (i.e., cellular organelles that are necessary for proper cell functioning) and centrosomes (i.e., cellular structures that are important for cilia formation) contribute to cyst growth.
• Effects of combinational therapies on hepatic cystogenesis. Dr. Masyuk studies how targeting of two different cellular pathways (i.e., cell proliferation and cell cycle) with pasireotide and Apatone will affect cyst growth in several animal models of PLD.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Masyuk's research will help to attenuate the growth of hepatic cysts over time and improve quality of life for patients with different forms of PLD — autosomal dominant PLD, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.

Professional highlights

• Patent, "Treating Liver Diseases," (No. U.S. 8,232,241 B2), 2012