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Andrea D Branch, PhD
img_Andrea D Branch
PROFESSOR | Medicine, Liver Diseases
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Surgery
212-659-8371
email
Research Topics
Antivirals, Bioinformatics, Cancer, Gene Regulation, Hepatitis C Virus, Interferon Resistance, Liver, RNA, Viruses and Virology
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS], Immunology [IMM]
D. Analysis of portal blood and other compartments in HCV-positive patients undergoing liver transplantation
We are in a unique position to collaborate with many different divisions in the Mount Sinai Hospital to obtain tissue from HCV-positive patients undergoing liver transplantation. Our objectives are to measure intrahepatic HCV dsRNA levels, degree of fibrosis, intrahepatic leukocyte populations, and portal vein blood cell populations and cytokines. We are in the process of studying the effect of the innate immune system on liver disease.
E. Optimizing vitamin D treatment in HIV/AIDS
In the post-HAART era, patients continue to suffer from the adverse medical consequences of HIV/AIDS. The adverse effects include incomplete immune reconstitution, chronic inflammation, depression, increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and low bone density. Clinical trials suggest that vitamin D supplements can increase bone density, reduce inflammation, alleviate depression, and increase longevity if given in adequate doses. The project will yield a validated protocol for treating vitamin D deficiency in HIV- infected patients on HAART and will provide initial data about the risks and health benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplements.
C. Clinical outcomes of HCV treatments
We have a strong clinical team that studies real-world outcomes of new direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs against hepatitis C virus (HCV). New DAAs for HCV are receiving FDA approval and entering clinical practice at a rapid pace, replacing interferon-based therapies with less toxic and more effective regimens that allow a much higher percentage of patients to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR), the positive outcome of HCV treatment. Health care providers need information about how these new medications perform in real world clinical practice. We analyze the short- and long-term impact of new HCV regimens on liver-related outcomes.
A. Minicores: a new family of HCV core protein isoforms
In experimental systems, we previously discovered a new family of HCV core protein isoforms called minicores (Eng et al., JVI, 2009) that lack the N-terminus of p21 core. We have recently found that HCV minicores are released into patients’ blood. Additionally, cells cultured in human serum secrete large quantities of minicores through a process that is not dependent on infectious virion production. The low density of secreted minicores indicates that they may be part of lipoviroparticles. Experiments are underway to investigate the biological effects of secreted minicores.
B. HCV creates a genome-length, double-stranded RNA
HCV establishes persistent infection despite triggering a robust interferon-induced anti-viral response. Interferon-based regimens as well as direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are used to treat HCV. Regardless of the regimen, HCV RNA can be undetectable in blood for months only to reappear after treatment ends, causing relapse. Using a novel approach, we found that HCV dsRNA is the predominant form of viral RNA in the liver of HCV-infected patients. HCV can respond to IFN by producing a genome-length viral dsRNA. This dsRNA is a key target of ribavirin. The development of DAAs that target viral dsRNA might improve treatment for HCV and other viruses.

BS, The University of Michigan

MS, The University of California

PhD, The Rockefeller University

The Rockefeller University

The Rockefeller University

1976

Rockefeller University Graduate Fellowship

1975

Steinhaus Memorial Teaching Award

1973

Public Health Service Traineeship

161
Publications

Selected Publications

Single-cell RNA sequencing data identify a conserved population of metallothionein-expressing macrophages that may be ubiquitous in vital human organs. Joseph A. Daccache, Francis Eng, Lei Cao, Ning Ma, Stephen C. Ward, Thomas Schiano, Mark Miller, Daniel Herron, Anthony V. Azzara, Steven S. Pullen, Paolo Guarnieri, Costica Aloman, Andrea D. Branch. Clinical and Translational Discovery

Fibrosis and steatotic liver disease in US adolescents according to the new nomenclature. Ning Ma, Meena Bansal, Jaime Chu, Andrea D. Branch. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Imprinted immune abnormalities in liver transplant patients cured of hepatitis C with antiviral drugs. Erin H. Doyle, Costica Aloman, Ahmed El-Shamy, Francis J. Eng, Seunghee Kim-Schulze, Adeeb Rahman, Thomas Schiano, Peter Heeger, Andrea D. Branch. Liver Transplantation

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Icahn (East) Building Floor 11th Floor Room Room 11-26

1425 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

212-659-8371

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Branch has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.