Rodrigo Vieira Motta

Here at Oxford, I was introduced to precision medicine and its relevance. I realised then that I could combine my passion for research methodology and clinical trials with the development of biomarkers to help clinicians better understand different subsets of patients with liver diseases and, therefore, achieve better outcomes for this population. 

2. What are you currently working on and what importance does your work hold for current patients with gastrointestinal issues?  

We are currently analysing epigenetic markers in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4-related cholangitis. Our aim is to identify biomarkers that will inform us on the pathogenesis of these disorders and possibly help stratify patients to guide treatment.  

 I am also investigating the role of liver stiffness measurement in the clinical management of patients with IgG4-related disease. Furthermore, I am a sub-investigator in early- and late-phase clinical trials assessing different drugs for the treatment of autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases. 

3. What do you enjoy most about scientific research? 

I really appreciate how knowledge is interchangeable across different fields and how we can use it to build better theories and test them.  

4.     What’s the best part of being an Oxford University TGLU member? 

The collaboration. After joining the TGLU, I met incredible people from different areas who are always willing to come together, develop and run new and exciting projects. The supportive relationship between clinicians and scientists creates an environment that helps all members of the TGLU thrive.