Laura Bull

Laura Bull, PhD is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. Her research laboratory operates at the interface of genetics and hepatology, focusing on identifying and studying genetic factors that contribute to the development of cholestatic liver disease in both human patients and mouse models.

Dr. Bull earned her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Francisco in 1993. In 2020, she completed UCSF's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive academic practices.

Dr. Bull's research interests center on the genetic basis of cholestatic liver diseases, particularly progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and related disorders. Her work spans genetic mapping, mutation identification, and functional characterization of genes involved in bile formation and secretion. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ATP8B1 deficiency, BSEP deficiency, and other monogenic causes of pediatric cholestasis. Her research integrates human genetics with animal models to elucidate disease pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Analysis of Dr. Bull's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the genetic determinants of cholestatic liver diseases across her career. Her work spans basic genetic mapping studies, identification of disease-causing mutations, characterization of molecular mechanisms, and clinical investigations of disease presentation and outcomes. Recent publications emphasize multicenter collaborative studies examining biomarkers, disease progression, and therapeutic interventions for pediatric cholestatic disorders. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of how specific genetic mutations lead to cholestasis and associated complications.

Dr. Bull has secured substantial research funding through multiple NIH grants, including R01 and R56 awards from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Her principal investigator roles on grants such as "The Genetic Basis of Pediatric Cholestasis" and "The Genetic Basis of Hereditary Liver Disease" demonstrate her leadership in this research area. These grants have supported her laboratory's work for over two decades, reflecting the significance and impact of her research program.

Dr. Bull is actively involved with the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN), contributing to large-scale multicenter studies of pediatric liver diseases. Her work often involves collaboration with international research teams, including the University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics. Through these collaborations, she has helped establish genetic diagnostic criteria and improve understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in rare cholestatic disorders.