Developing a liver model to understand how tissue structures affect metabolism
Official title: A physiological and translational liver model to study the metabolism-modulating roles of extracellular matrix microstructures
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-10892798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to create a model of the liver that closely mimics how it really works, especially looking at how changes in its structure can affect metabolism, with the goal of helping to find better treatments for liver fibrosis while making drug development safer and more affordable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $333,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM146779-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver conditions, especially those experiencing fibrosis or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver failure or those who do not have any liver-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new model of the liver that accurately represents its physiological environment, particularly how the extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructures influence liver metabolism. By integrating various cell types and mimicking the liver's natural architecture, the study aims to uncover how fibrosis-related changes in the ECM can disrupt metabolic processes. This innovative approach seeks to improve drug development by reducing costs and risks associated with human trials while providing insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for liver diseases, particularly those related to fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced tissue modeling technologies to study liver functions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chengpeng — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chengpeng
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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.