Elliot Jokl

Elliot Jokl is a Researcher in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology. His work focuses on understanding fibrogenic mechanisms in liver diseases, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis. He employs spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and multi-omic approaches to study gene regulatory networks and cellular interactions in disease progression.

Research interests include the role of SOX9 in myofibroblast activation, circadian rhythm disruption's impact on fibrosis, and the mechanotransduction pathways governing fibroblast behavior. His recent studies explore biomarkers for cystic fibrosis-related liver disease and therapeutic targets for fibrosis using novel spatial and genomic techniques.

Notable projects include leading an initiative to identify early biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma using high-definition spatial transcriptomics (2025–2026). Collaborations span immunology, genetics, and computational biology to address fibrotic diseases across organs including liver, kidney, and lung.

Key findings include SOX9's essential role in hepatic granuloma integrity during schistosomiasis, circadian disruption accelerating fibrosis progression in NAFLD, and PAK1-dependent mechanotransduction pathways in fibroblast nuclear adaptation. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications to improve diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for fibrotic disorders.