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Research Summary
Our laboratory is interested in determining how mutations in genes encoding proteins of the inner nuclear membrane cause a wide variety of inherited diseases.
Research Activities
Mutations in genes encoding the intermediate filament nuclear lamins and associated proteins cause a wide spectrum of diseases sometimes called “laminopathies”. While mutations and clinical phenotypes of “laminopathies” have been carefully described, data explaining pathogenic mechanisms are only emerging. Our laboratory is focused on deciphering how mutations in genes encoding nuclear lamins and other nuclear envelope proteins cause disease. In particular, we are discovering alterations in cell signal transduction pathways and gene expression that occur as a result of abnormalities in the nuclear envelope. For example, we have shown that A-type lamin alterations that cause cardiomyopathy lead to abnormally activated MAP kinase activities in heart and that blocking these enzymes can prevent disease in a mouse model. Our long-term goal is to use this information to discover treatments for this the fascinating group of diseases associated with the nuclear envelope. We have also be characterizing nuclear envelope autoantigens in autoimmune liver diseases such a primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis. In another new research project, we are using inbred strains of mice to attempt to identify susceptibility genes for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a liver disease that occurs in some people who are obese.
Lab website: http://www.columbia.edu/~hjw14/WORLAB.html
Service Activities
Diseases of the liver
Dr. Worman is an attending physician in the Liver Clinic at Columbia University Medical Center and also provides second opinion consultation in liver diseases at the faculty practice office of the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases. For information, call 212-305-8156.
Positions & Appointments
| 2007-present |
Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology |
Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons |
New York, NY |
| 2007-present |
Attending Physician |
New York Presbyterian Hospital/CUMC |
New York, NY |
| 1998-2007 |
Associate Professor |
Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons |
New York, NY |
| 1995-1998 |
Assistant Professor of Medicine |
Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons |
New York, NY |
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Education and Training
| 1981 |
A.B. |
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY |
| 1985 |
M.D. |
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL |
| 1985-1987 |
Residency in Internal Medicine |
New York Hospital, New York, NY |
| 1987-1990 |
Postdoctoral Fellow in Cell Biology |
Rockefeller Univesity, New York, NY |
| 1990-1991 |
Traineeship in Liver Diseases |
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY |
Honors and Awards
Phi Beta Kappa, Cornell University, 1980
Bachelor of Arts cum laude in biology, Cornell University, 1981
Calvin Fentress Research Fellowship Award, University of Chicago, 1984
First Prize Midwest Student Medical Research Forum, 1985
Franklin McLean Award for meritorious medical student research, University of Chicago, 1985
Richard W. Reilly Award for outstanding aptitude in gastroenterology, University of Chicago, 1985
Trainee Award in Clinical Research, American Federation for Clinical Research, 1989
Henry Christian Award, American Federation for Clinical Research, 1990
Charles E. Culpeper Scholar in Medical Science, 1994
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Research Award, American Gastroenterological Association, 1994
Travel Award 16th International Congress of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology New Delhi, American Society For Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1994
Silberberg Award, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1995
Irma T. Hirschl Scholar, Irma T. Hirschl Trust, 1997
American Society for Clinical Investigation, 1998
Committees and Society Memberships
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
American Chemical Society
American College of Physicians
American Federation for Medical Research
American Gastroenterological Association
American Society for Cell Biology
American Society for Clinical Investigation
New York Academy of Sciences (Vice-Chairman, Section of Biological Sciences, 1992- 1993; Chairman, Section of Biological Sciences, 1993-1994; Advisory Board 1995-1996)
Special Interests
Diseases of the Liver and Molecular and Cell Biology.
Favorite Websites
http://www.ColumbiaDeptMedicine.org/dept/gi/disliv.html
Selected Publications:
1. Worman HJ (2002) The Hepatitis C Sourcebook.
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2. Worman, HJ (1999) The Liver Disorders Sourcebook.
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3. Worman, HJ (2006) The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook.
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4. Worman HJ, Fong LG, Muchir A, Young SG (2009) Laminopathies and the long strange trip from basic cell biology to therapy. Journal of Clinical Investigation
119:1825-1836
5. Worman HJ (2007) Nuclear envelope protein autoantigens in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Hepatology Research
37 :S406-S411.
6. Worman HJ and Courvalin J-C (2000) The inner nuclear membrane. J. Membrane Biol
177:1-11
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