معرفی
Dr. Shih-Hsing Leir is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. His research focuses on cystic fibrosis (CF) and the role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in multiple organ systems, particularly the reproductive system.
Dr. Leir's research centers on understanding why at least 97% of men with CF are infertile, often due to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). His laboratory employs primary cultures of human epididymis epithelial cells and three-dimensional culture models to study how CFTR regulates normal tubule function in the epididymis. He investigates mechanisms of CFTR and other ion channels in epithelial function and tubulogenesis, with implications for male infertility in CF patients.
His publication record spans nearly three decades, with recent work including studies on stellate cells as in utero markers of pancreatic disease in cystic fibrosis (2024), early developmental phenotypes in the cystic fibrosis sheep model (2022), and transcriptional networks involving BRD8, OTX2, HNF1, ELF5 and EHF in regulating CFTR expression. His research bridges molecular biology, genetics, and reproductive physiology to address fundamental questions about CFTR function in epithelial tissues.
Dr. Leir has received recognition for his contributions to cystic fibrosis research through numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. His collaborative work with researchers including Dr. Ann Harris has significantly advanced understanding of CFTR biology across multiple organ systems.
Dr. Leir's laboratory continues to investigate the molecular basis of CFTR function in epithelial tissues, with potential applications for developing targeted therapies for cystic fibrosis patients, particularly in addressing the reproductive complications associated with the disease.
