Alcohol's effect on how the liver heals

Ethanol Effects on the Transcriptional Regulatory Network in Liver Regeneration

['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11137698

This project looks at how alcohol changes the gene 'switches' liver cells use to repair themselves, focusing on why male livers may be more harmed than female livers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11137698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers use animal models to study how chronic alcohol exposure alters the transcriptional networks that control liver regeneration. They compare male and female responses because earlier work found male rats develop worse liver problems after alcohol exposure while females were more resistant. The team measures gene activity and regulatory pathways in injured livers to identify which molecular switches ethanol disrupts. Results are intended to highlight molecular targets and sex-specific mechanisms that could guide future treatments for alcohol-related liver injury.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with alcoholic liver disease or a history of heavy drinking who want to contribute samples or be considered for future clinical studies would be most relevant.

Not a fit: Patients whose liver disease is unrelated to alcohol or who do not wish to participate in research are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets or sex-specific approaches to improve liver recovery after alcohol-related injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and molecular studies have shown sex differences and implicated some pathways in alcohol-related liver injury, but translating these findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.