Karen Kristine Sørensen, DVM, PhD

Biography

Karen Kristine Sørensen, DVM, PhD, is Professor and Head of Vascular Biology Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø (UiT) - The Arctic University of Norway. The group studies the biology of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) with focus on the specialized function of these endothelial cells in scavenging and filtration of blood borne macromolecules and nanoparticles. LSECs represent a unique, specialized, endothelium, which is vital for the metabolism and functional homeostasis of the liver. The cells are highly perforated with nanosized pores (fenestrae) that facilitate bidirectional passive transport of lipoproteins and solutes between blood and hepatocytes, a function that can be affected by drugs, aging and liver disease. LSECs further have a very high endocytic capacity compared to most other cells in the body, essential for the removal of spent/modified plasma proteins, and tissue turnover waste products. Current lines of research also include the role of LSECs in virus elimination.