Research
Leading-edge research and clinical trials in transplantation
For over 38 years, the UCLA transplant programs have led groundbreaking research in transplantation. Our teams developed immunosuppressive agents in the early 1990s and now lead clinical trials in normothermic machine perfusion. Faculty secure NIH and private funding to fuel basic science, translational, and clinical research—producing more than 1,500 publications to date.
Our physicians and researchers are trailblazers in liver, pancreatic, heart, kidney and intestinal transplantation. Protocols developed at UCLA serve as the standard of care across the nation.
A legacy of innovation in transplantation
- Hepatitis C Treatment: As leaders in hepatitis C care, we pioneered pre- and post-transplant treatments, enabling patients to manage the disease effectively.
- Immunoglobulin for Hepatitis B: We were the first to introduce immunoglobulin injections for treating hepatitis B, setting a global standard.
- Organ Rejection Risk Reduction: Through the development of new treatments, we have significantly reduced the risk of organ rejection, improving transplant success rates.
- Donor Pool Expansion: Our expertise in living donor liver transplants has increased donor availability. We introduced the innovative "domino" transplant technique for patients with amyloidosis.
- Autologous Islet Transplant: We pioneered autologous islet transplantation, allowing patients to retain their insulin-producing cells after pancreas removal, potentially avoiding diabetes without the risk of rejection.
- Kidney Transplant Success: By focusing on prolonging kidney function in patients receiving both kidney and pancreas transplants, we have improved quality of life and advanced early detection methods for potential rejection.
Ongoing research and clinical trials
- Portable Liver Function Device: We are exploring a portable finger-probe device that measures liver function in potential donors, aiming to streamline donor selection processes.
- Liver Cancer Recurrence Prediction: Developing a new model to predict the likelihood of liver cancer recurrence post-transplant, we enhance personalized treatment plans.
- Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Study: Conducting laboratory studies to investigate ischemia/reperfusion injury's role in transplant outcomes, we seek methods to mitigate its impact.
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention: Leading the nation’s largest multi-center trial, we aim to prevent recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk liver transplant patients.
Comprehensive Liver Research Center (CLRC) at UCLA
The CLRC aims to reduce the impact of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) across Los Angeles County’s diverse communities—a concept we call “Total MASLD.”
Bringing together 65+ NIH-funded researchers and clinicians from UCLA, City of Hope, UC Irvine, and UC Davis, the Center bridges basic science, clinical research, and community outreach to drive discovery and improve care.
Directed by Dr. Vatche G. Agopian and Dr. Rajat Singh, the CLRC includes:
- An administrative core
- Three biomedical research cores
- Enrichment, outreach, and seed-funding programs
Recent research by our fellows
We strongly encourage our fellows to engage in ongoing research projects or to initiate their own under the mentorship of our experienced faculty. Throughout their training, they receive full support to present their work at national conferences, fostering professional growth and contributing to the field's advancement.