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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Justin Mott, MD, PhD

Professor
he/him

402-559-3177

Justin Mott, MD, PhD

Dr. Mott heads a research program to use innovative models and techniques for the study of liver cancer. Specifically, research in the Mott lab is focused on cholangiocarcinoma, a biliary tract cancer. He is engaged in medical education, STEM outreach, and mentoring.

We have learned that science is a team effort and we work to make a laboratory environment that encourages success in and beyond science. This means treating trainees with respect, encouraging outside activities, fostering a creative environment, and building a collaborative team. We have also learned from patients who have been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Their resilience and willingness to share their experiences and hopes with us motivate our studies.

Education

– Bachelor of Science, Biology and Biochemistry Majors, University of Denver, CO

– PhD, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, MO (2003)

– MD, Saint Louis University, MO (2004)

– Internal Medicine Internship, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

– Postdoctoral Fellow, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Teaching and Scholarly Activity

– Co-director for the Gastrointestinal Block for medical students

– Teach nutrient biochemistry, liver cancer, and DNA & RNA biology for medical students

– Director of the UNMC MD-PhD Scholars Program

– Teach professional development for MD-PhD Students

– Inclusion, diversity, and equity roles in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the medical curriculum

– Safe Space trained as an ally to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans spectrum, queer spectrum, intersex, asexual, gender spectrum, Two-Spirit, and sexuality spectrum (LGBTQIA2S+) students, faculty, and staff 

Varner Educator Laureate, 2022

Research

Research Opportunities

The Mott Laboratory has a healthy environment to pursue science and thrive as a person. We value inclusion and benefit from new perspectives. On an individual basis, research opportunities are available for students who want to learn and study liver cancer.

Research Interests

  • Cholangiocarcinoma (liver cancer)
  • Cholangiocyte injury in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
  • MicroRNA expression and function
  • Apoptosis resistance mechanisms

Research Projects

  • Cholangiocarcinoma cell death mechanisms
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • MicroRNA Signaling
A researcher wearing gloves uses lab equipment

Current Projects

My lab is focused on cell death in liver cancer, specifically cholangiocarcinoma, a malignant tumor arising in the bile duct epithelium.