A subgroup of liver stellate cells in alcohol-related hepatitis
"CYP1B1+PRRX1+NR4A2+ hepatic stellate cells in alcohol-associated hepatitis"
This work looks at whether a specific group of liver stellate cells with markers CYP1B1, PRRX1, and NR4A2 drives inflammation and scarring in people with alcohol-related hepatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare liver cell activity in people with alcohol-associated hepatitis and in mouse models using single-cell RNA sequencing to identify a stellate cell subset marked by CYP1B1, PRRX1, and NR4A2. They will use genetic lineage tracing in mice and image patient tissues with IHC and FISH to see where these cells come from and how common they are in diseased livers. The team will analyze existing patient liver RNA data and fresh tissue to measure the cells' inflammatory and profibrotic gene programs. The goal is to link these cells' behavior to the severe inflammation and fibrosis seen in alcohol-associated hepatitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol-associated hepatitis, especially those receiving care at centers that can collect liver tissue or samples, are the most relevant candidates for involvement or future trials.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related liver disease or those who cannot provide liver tissue or clinical samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could point to new molecular targets to reduce liver inflammation and scarring in alcohol-associated hepatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell studies have identified diverse stellate cell subsets in liver fibrosis, but linking this CYP1B1+PRRX1+NR4A2+ subset specifically to alcohol-associated hepatitis is a new and emerging finding.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsukamoto, Hidekazu — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Tsukamoto, Hidekazu
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.