Saint Louis University (SLU)
Dr. Vincenzo Cardinale’s primary research focuses on biliary tree stem/progenitor cell biology and its translational implications. He has led the discovery and characterization of multipotent stem/progenitor cells within human peribiliary glands, demonstrating their capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and pancreatic islet cells. This work provided a foundation for early-phase regenerative medicine approaches, including cell therapy strategies for advanced liver diseases. These early findings helped establish the modern framework for understanding the role of peribiliary and duodenal gland stem/progenitor cells in tissue regeneration, cholangiopathies, and biliary cancers. In parallel, Dr. Cardinale has made significant contributions to the study of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), including coordination of the development of registries through his active role in the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA). A central theme of his research is the integration of stem cell biology with cholangiopathies, investigating how biliary stem cell niches regulate liver regeneration, fibrosis progression, and tumorigenesis.