Creating a human model to study gut and liver interactions related to alcohol effects
Official title: A Human Gut-Liver Platform with Microbiome Interactions for In Vitro Toxicology
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11011327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol affects liver health by creating tiny models of the liver that work like a real one, which will help us learn more about liver diseases and how our gut bacteria play a role, ultimately aiming to find better treatments for people with alcohol-related liver issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES036001-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol-related liver disease or those interested in understanding the effects of alcohol on liver health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no liver-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between the gut and liver using a human-based model to better understand how alcohol affects liver health. By utilizing advanced techniques like droplet microfluidics, the researchers are developing 3D liver microtissues that mimic human liver function more accurately than traditional methods. These models will allow for the study of liver diseases and the impact of the microbiome on liver health, providing insights that could lead to improved treatments for alcohol-related liver disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from alcohol-related liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using human-based models to study liver diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khetani, Salman R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Khetani, Salman R
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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.