Body clock and cell-energy problems in alcohol-related liver disease
Circadian and mitochondrial dysfunction in alcohol-related liver disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11330384
Researchers are looking at whether breakdowns in the body's internal clock and in cell 'powerhouses' (mitochondria) help cause liver damage in people who drink heavily.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at how chronic alcohol disrupts the liver's circadian 'clock' genes and damages mitochondria, the parts of cells that make energy. Using laboratory models, the team compares normal livers to ones missing a key clock gene (Bmal1) to see how timing and mitochondrial changes affect fat buildup, glucose handling, and liver injury. They measure mitochondrial bioenergetics, liver lipids, and disease markers to pinpoint molecular steps that lead to damage. Findings aim to highlight biological targets or timing strategies that could later be tested in people with alcohol-related liver disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who drink heavily and have or are at risk for alcohol-related liver disease would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People with liver disease from non-alcohol causes or those unable to take part in research are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could point to new ways to protect the liver from alcohol damage or to time treatments for better effect.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and lab studies have shown links between disrupted clock genes, mitochondrial problems, and worse alcohol-related liver injury, but translating these findings into human treatments is still mostly untested.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAILEY, SHANNON MARIE — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: BAILEY, SHANNON MARIE
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.
Conditions: Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Alcoholic Liver Diseases