ABL2 and alcohol-related liver damage
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of ABL Kinase 2 in the Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11320368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is seeing if blocking a protein called ABL2 can prevent or reduce liver damage in people with alcohol-associated liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $470,066 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA032952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future treatment opportunities would be adults with alcohol-associated liver disease, especially those with alcoholic steatohepatitis or early-stage liver injury from alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
People with liver disease from non-alcohol causes, those with very advanced end-stage cirrhosis, or patients whose disease is driven by other pathways may not benefit from ABL2-targeted approaches.
What this research studies
As someone with or at risk for alcohol-associated liver disease, this work looks at a protein called ABL2 in liver cells using mouse models and human liver samples. Researchers compare what happens when ABL2 is removed or when drugs that block ABL kinases are given, looking for changes in fat buildup, inflammation, and liver injury. They will also identify the downstream molecules that ABL2 controls to understand how it causes damage. The goal is to create a clear path toward new medicines that target ABL2 for people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ABL2-targeting treatments that reduce fat accumulation, inflammation, and injury in alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse and lab studies have shown promise when ABL2 is removed or inhibited, but human clinical benefit has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qiu, Wei — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Qiu, Wei
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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.