Exploring how liver cell environments affect liver function and disease
Official title: Engineered culture platforms to uncover synergies between microenvironmental cues in modulating liver zonation
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11043408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like oxygen and hormones in our environment affect liver cells, which could help us find better treatments for liver problems like fatty liver and liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $348,718 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139487-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver injuries or those without liver disease may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different environmental factors influence the functions of liver cells, particularly focusing on the zonation of hepatocytes, which are specialized liver cells. By using advanced 3D culture systems that mimic the liver's natural environment, the study aims to understand how gradients of oxygen, hormones, and other signals affect liver cell behavior and contribute to diseases like fatty liver and liver cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to improved treatments for liver-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating liver diseases by enhancing our understanding of liver cell functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D culture systems to study liver functions, 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.