Kyle Poulsen

Kyle Poulsen, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology within the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU). Previously, he held an Assistant Professor position at the Texas Medical Center (2020–2024). His research focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver disease (ALD), with a particular emphasis on the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in hepatic inflammation and injury. His work integrates preclinical models with clinical insights to uncover therapeutic targets for ALD and related conditions.

Dr. Poulsen's research interests include the hepatic immune system's adaptations to alcohol exposure, the interplay between immune cells and hepatocytes, and the molecular pathways driving meta-inflammation. His funded projects, supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), investigate MIF's contribution to ALD progression, the role of anaphylatoxin receptors in adipose secretome modulation, and the protective functions of eosinophils during acute liver injury.

His publications span diverse topics in hepatology and immunology, including radiofrequency ablation's effects on tumor microenvironments, autophagic flux regulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the non-transcriptional activity of IRF3 in ethanol-induced immune modulation. These studies highlight his expertise in bridging immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology to address complex liver pathologies.

Dr. Poulsen leads a laboratory team at MSU, including postdoctoral researchers Asif Zaman and Naureen Fatima. His work has been supported by grants totaling over $5 million, with active funding extending through 2029. He maintains an active presence in academic collaborations and public engagement through social media platforms linked to the Pharmacology and Toxicology department.