Jan G. Hengstler

Prof. Dr. Jan G. Hengstler serves as Head of the Department of Systems Toxicology at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors in Dortmund, Germany. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he previously held positions as Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Leipzig (2003-2007) and conducted research at the Institute of Toxicology, University of Mainz (1990-2003).

Dr. Hengstler completed his medical studies at the University of Mainz (1984-1990), obtained his medical license in 1992, and completed his MD thesis on DNA damage in 1991. He achieved his habilitation in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1998 and specialized as a physician in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1997.

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of liver disease, particularly cholestatic liver injury, bile acid metabolism, and the gut-liver axis. His work integrates toxicology, pharmacology, and molecular biology to investigate how environmental and pharmaceutical compounds affect liver function. Recent studies examine bile acid signaling, gut microbiome interactions, and mechanisms of liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. His research employs advanced methodologies including iPSC-derived hepatocyte models, in vivo mouse models, and systems toxicology approaches.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on translational research with significant clinical implications, particularly in cholestatic liver diseases, drug-induced liver injury, and cancer mechanisms. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Hepatology, Nature Metabolism, and Journal of Hepatology.

Dr. Hengstler leads an active research group within the Toxicology department at the Leibniz Research Centre, collaborating with multiple international institutions. His laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical researchers and utilizes both experimental and computational approaches to investigate liver pathophysiology.